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CONCERT REVIEWS 2007
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18 JANUARY 2007
Despite the stormy weather, a near-capacity audience gathered at the Fairground Hall to welcome talented young performer RYAN EDWARDS to the Society's January concert. It was Ryan's second appearance at Weyhill and, although having, earlier in the day, endured a difficult journey south from his Worksop home, he provided a delightful selection of music to get the Society's 2007 concert programme off to a terrific start.
A particularly refreshing aspect of the evening was Ryan's decision to include several rarely heard pieces of music and the time he took to introduce each item added to the interest. Proceedings began with the 'Light Cavalry Overture' and Gershwin's 'Nice Work If You Can Get It', performed in a traditional jazz arrangement. Andrea Bocelli's 'Canto Della Terra' demonstrated some beautiful orchestral sounds and 'Alpine Echoes' evoked images of a typical brass band. A Latin American flavour was introduced, with George Fleury's 'Cocamba', providing Ryan with the opportunity to display some nifty footwork on the bass pedals.
'The Jellicle Ball', from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, 'Cats', changed the tempo, followed by the familiar Glenn Miller sound for 'At Last' and 'I Know Why'. Film music was represented by 'The Love Theme from St Elmo's' Fire', composed by David Foster. By way of complete contrast, it was then time for the piano sound with 'Maple Leaf Rag', before the first half was concluded with a 'violin' version of Mike Batt's 'Contradenza' - an original hit for Vanessa-Mae.
'I Wanna Be Like You' in Kenny Ball style got the second half moving, followed by 'The Raiders March', from the film 'Raiders of The Lost Ark', and the Carpenters' 'Goodbye To Love', ending with a striking 'guitar' solo. The classic organ sound accompanied 'Festal Day', preceding a couple of tunes associated with Mike Oldfield 'Portsmouth' and 'Tattoo' the latter including the haunting sounds of the bagpipes.
Further variations were introduced by Ryan, as he performed the Overture to the opera 'Zampa', followed by a big band number, 'Skyliner'. To conclude the concert, 'Lord Of The Dance' set the toes tapping, whilst 'Nessun Dorma' provided a rousing encore to end a most enjoyable evening. A refreshing variety of music must surely have satisfied most members of the enthusiastic audience and ensured that Ryan would be welcomed back to Weyhill.
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15 FEBRUARY 2007
The Society's February concert welcomed the third appearance at Weyhill of CHRIS STANBURY, a talented young organist from Banstead in Surrey.
Chris studied at the London College of Music where he succeeded in passing his Fellowship diploma (FLCM) in June 2001 and completed his Bachelor of Music degree a year later, gaining a First Class Honours certificate. He then completed a further year of study to obtain a post-graduate MMus qualification in 2003 and, two years later, he was appointed as a Music Examiner for the College.
There's No Business Like Show Business' ... at least that was how the concert began ... followed by 'If' (a David Gates of Bread recording). The audience was then' transported' to Vienna for the Annen Polka, composed by Johann Strauss Jr., before a complete change of tempo and style with a rock 'n' roll medley.
'Meditation', from Massenet's 1893 'Thais' opera, was beautifully performed and it would have been easy to imagine that Mantovani had assembled his entire violin section on the small stage! Chris followed this piece with 'Amore', played in the style of the late and great Klaus Wunderlich, whereas 'As Time Goes By' a song used in the movie 'Casablanca featured a clever combination of trumpet and strings.
Following a Glenn Miller 3-piece selection, the Hammond organ sound was introduced with 'Crazy island Swing', in the style of Jimmy Smith, and 'Tico Tico', made famous by Ethel Smith before George Gershwin's 'well-known 'Rhapsody In Blue' , featuring piano and orchestra, brought the first half to a great crescendo.
'Is it Saturday already?' was the question, as Chris performed 'Out Of The Blue' the well-known signature tune to BBC Radio Five's 'Sports Report'. 'On A Clear Day' preceded a Dusty Springfield medley, including such favourites as 'I Only Want To Be With You', 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', 'Silver Threads and Golden Needles' 'Going Back' and 'I Close My Eyes and Count To Ten'.
A complete change of mood was introduced with Mozart's overture from 'The Marriage of Figaro', before the music was brought up to the 1970s with Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. 'Panic', the theme tune for the 'Ground Force' television programme was performed with the realistic sounds of the brass band; Chris explained that he had scored the music from watching and listening to the programme DVD and that, as a consequence, he is now an experienced musician and gardener!
Dance music was represented by 'Amapola' and the world of the Big Band, such as once played by Ted Heath and Don Lusher, was recalled with versions of 'Hot Toddy' and 'East of The Sun'. Chris concluded the evening responding to resounding applause with 'Land of Hope and Glory'. This was indeed an evening of class a varied selection of music performed by an artiste at the top of his chosen profession.
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15 MARCH 2007
The Society's March concert proved to be another 'hit' with the audience as PHIL BROWN, from Derby, made his debut at Weyhill. Special guest for the evening was Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist, who was visiting Andover for her concert at St Mary's Church.
The concert got under way in energetic style with 'Also Sprach Zarathustra' (Richard Strauss), followed by the haunting sounds of the pan pipes and James Last's 'Lonely Shepherd'. A quick change of tempo introduced a 'toe-tapping' Irish jig entitled 'Off To The Races' followed by a popular classical piece Mozart's 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' and a selection of tunes made popular by the Ray Conniff Singers. The programme then featured a well-known piece of film music Ennio Morricone's theme from the well-known western, 'The Good, The Bad And The Ugly'.
Music for everyone seemed to be Phil's aim as 'The Legend Of The Glass Mountain' (Nina Rota) preceded Winifred Atwell's 'Black and White Rag' (the theme music used for the 'Pot Black' TV snooker programmes). Arguably, one of the highlights of the evening was another piece of film music the theme from 'Missing' (Vangelis) which was followed by another classical piece, 'Stars Were Brightly Shining' from Puccini's 'Tosca'. The first half was concluded by a selection of marches, including 'Aces High' and 'The Dambusters'.
The variation continued after the break with 'Spanish Gypsy Dance' and Nat King Cole's 'Unforgettable', the latter featuring saxophone and orchestral sounds. 'Unchained Melody' was followed by the Overture 'Orpheus In The Underworld' and for the very first time in Weyhill 'Duelling Banjos' from the film 'Deliverance', astutely arranged with the banjo sound emitting from one speaker and an acoustic guitar from the other!
A medley of James Bond film themes preceded a rarely-heard piece entitled, 'Zwischenspiel aus der Oper Notre Dame' a Klaus Wunderlich recording which Phil had specially prepared for the evening and then a dramatic rendition of 'Eve Of The War' from Jeff Wayne's 'War Of The Worlds', complete with Richard Burton's narration. The concert was brought to a conclusion with a selection of rock and roll music, featuring some nifty pedalwork and Phil's clever use of the keyboard to produce an entire drum section. By way of complete contrast, another classical piece Massenet's 'Meditation' provided a perfect encore to end a thouroughly entertaining evening.
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19 APRIL 2007
The attraction of a Sixties Night concert, plus the popularity of performer, PENNY WEEDON, ensured that the Weyhill Fairground Hall was once again full to its 160 capacity. The evening represented another musical departure for the Society a variation that was obviously appreciated carrying on its proud tradition of providing entertainment for everyone. Indeed, in January 2005, the audience enjoyed a Viennese Evening also performed by this talented artiste.
Penny, from Ross-on-Wye, was making her fourth appearance at Weyhill, having first performed for the Club in August 2002, shortly after the Club's formation, and as the evening progressed, it became obvious that she had put a lot of effort and research into preparing her programme. It was a programme consisting of at least 50 different songs and tunes from the Sixties, many of which had not previously been included in any of the monthly concerts. However, before beginning the main event, Penny performed a tune entitled 'Weyhill March' a tune which she had personally written and arranged for the Society. The music was based on a folk tune, 'Weyhill Fair', which had been composed at the beginning of the 20th century.
Ably assisted by Tony (her husband) who read out the news headlines for each year Penny progressed year by year through the decade with music from the charts, as well as from the shows, cinema and television. By employing a keyboard as well as her electronic organ, Penny was able to produce a wide range of sounds to augment her selections.
The pieces performed were far too many to mention ... they ranged from Lionel Bart to Burt Bacharach, from Jim Reeves to Cliff Richard and even included a Beatles medley, played in classical style! Without doubt, a lot of memories were exercised during the evening and there was more than enough material to form the basis of a musical quiz. As Penny herself admitted, the Sixties contained a wealth of memorable easy listening music so much so that a concert of this nature could have continued all night and still have omitted many favourites.
Having decided to retire from the 'circuit' a couple of years ago, Penny is now selective with her appearances, so her visit to Weyhill was even more welcome. Furthermore, for a 'come-back' in the style of Frank Sinatra, it was entirely appropriate that 'My Way' was saved for an encore. The concert was performed in Penny's way ... and everyone approved!
Inspired by the challenge of producing such a delightful and varied programme, Penny indicated afterwards that she would now be considering the possibility of recording her own 'Sixties' CD. On the evidence of this concert, such a recording would be very well received. Hopefully, the Society can look forward to another visit from this popular lady ... and possibly another challenge to be met!
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17 MAY 2007
Music and laughter were provided in equal measure at the Society's latest concert, when the guest performer was TIM FLINT, from Derbyshire. Indeed, it was not inappropriate that a few tall tales were expounded considering that Tim is well over six feet in height! Jokes and amusing anecdotes were liberally scattered amongst a varied selection of music and by the end of the concert most members of the audience had overcome their undoubted culture shock.
Adorned in a magnificent cape reminiscent of Liberace, Tim took to the stage and got the evening under way with the 'Thunder and Lightning Polka', followed by a slow version of 'I Remember You' (a former hit for Frank Ifield). The familiar sounds of the Cinema Organ were then aired with a medley of tunes including 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square', 'The Trolley Song' and 'Tiger Rag'.
By way of a more serious variation, Tim gave an excellent performance of 'Cavalleria Rusticana' (Mascagni) before increasing the tempo for Harold Smart's 'Organ Hoedown'. 'Yesterday's Dreams' one of Tim's own compositions was played in the style of George Shearing and a selection from 'Mac and Mabel' (including 'I Won't Send Roses'), evoking memories of Torvill and Dean, brought the first half to a conclusion.
A Big Band version of 'Have You Met Miss Jones' got the second half started, followed by the popular James Last sound for 'Wonderland by Night' and 'Moonlight and Roses'. 'Little Rumba' and 'Little Serenade' preceded a march titled 'Bandology'; Tim then performed a swing version of 'Any Dream Will Do' and John Barry's theme music for the film 'Hanover Street'. To conclude the concert, he selected a piece of Traditional Jazz titled 'Muskrat Ramble' with Stevie Wonder's 'For Once In My Life' as an encore.
No two concerts are ever alike at Weyhill ... and there is certainly nobody else like Tim Flint! He is certainly a flamboyant and 'larger than life' showman however, apart from his quick wit and flair for communicating with his audiences, it must not be forgotten that he is a most proficient player.
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21 JUNE 2007
Making his debut appearance at Weyhill for the Society's June concert was versatile performer, PETE SHAW. A Lancastrian now living in North Wales, Pete has previously made use of his talents as Musical Director/Studio Producer of the All New Theatre Road Show version of Granada TVs Stars In Their Eyes'.
A big band selection set the evening in motion, followed contrastingly by 'Somewhere Out There' from the film 'An American Tale'. A quickstep medley demonstrated the sound of the Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer whilst Pete's version of 'Smile' (composed by Charlie Chaplin), accompanied by vocals, was well appreciated. 'The Blue Danube Waltz' was followed by music from the 'Hot Club of France' Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt featuring jazz violin and guitar, before the tempo was slowed for the rarely-heard but emotive theme from the film, 'On Golden Pond' (composed by Dave Grusin).
The familiar Glenn Miller sound was represented by 'I Know Why' and 'At Last'; then Pete performed 'All The Things You Are' in jazz piano style before ending the first half with the Thunderbirds March.
The entertainment resumed after the break with 'Quando Quando' and a Celtic piece entitled 'The Dark Island', followed by 'A Foggy Day In London Town' in swing jazz fashion. 'The Way You Look Tonight' preceded 'Nimrod' from Elgar's 'Enigma Variations' and film music was again featured with the beautiful theme from 'Love Story' (Francis Lai).
By way of further variation, Pete then performed a selection of marches, including 'Under The Double Eagle', 'Old Comrades' and the well-known 'Colonel Bogey' (from 'The Bridge On The River Kwai'). A set of accompanied vocals were then performed 'Laura' and 'I Get A Kick Out Of You' (both Frank Sinatra standards), plus 'Route 66'. The concert was completed in rousing style with '633 Squadron' and the 'Dambusters March'.
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19 JULY 2007
Making her second appearance at Weyhill for the Society's July concert was the extremely popular performer, CHIHO SUNAMOTO. Originally from Matsuyama, in the South of Japan, Chiho settled in North Shields in 1986 and performs both nationally and internationally. Amongst her most notable public performances have been the Edinburgh Festival, Blackpool Tower Centenary concert (broadcast live on Radio 2), The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester and the Fairfield Hall, Croydon.
She has the ability to make her instruments and she brought two to Weyhill sound like the Berlin Philharmonic one minute and Deep Purple the next! With an excellent singing voice and a smile that would melt the snow on Mount Fuji, it is no wonder that audiences always look forward to her concerts.
The variation in Chiho's programme ensured that everyone had music to enjoy and Jon Smith, who had performed for the Society last year, was also on hand to join her with a couple of vocals in each half. From musicals to film scores, from Classical to pop, from Latin American to jazz ... and even the 'Grandfather's Clock' novelty piece it was all there, with tunes too numerous to list!
Sounds varied from Big Band to orchestral, from piano to accordion, from guitar to flute ... and then there was Chiho's melodic singing voice for good measure. Her easy interaction with the audience, laced with a gentle sense of humour, only served to improve the popularity of this very talented lady.
Chiho's dexterity was clearly demonstrated in the first half with her rendition of 'Tico Tico', whilst her interpretation of Katie Melua's 'Nine Million Bicycles', augmented by guitar and vocals, was a sheer delight. 'Jupiter', from Holst's Planet Suite, met with the approval of classical fans and did not seem at all out of place performed alongside Elton John's 'Your Song'.
The second half included a Glenn Miller selection, a variation on George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and a medley of songs made popular by Barbra Streisand. John Barry's haunting theme to 'Out of Africa' was played to perfection and Chiho displayed her mischievous sense of fun when announcing a tune she had specially selected for the evening ... namely 'Singing in the Rain'! A double encore of 'You Raise Me Up' followed by music from 'Beauty and The Beast' brought the concert to a close, followed by a well-deserved ovation from a very contented audience.
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23 AUGUST 2007
There were no surprises in store for the near-capacity audience attending the Society's August concert. They expected an evening of top class entertainment ... and that is precisely what was provided by guest performer, CHRIS POWELL. Chris, from Coalville in Leicestershire, has established himself as one of the UKs foremost organists both on pipe and electronic instruments and was making his third visit to Weyhill. His concert contained a wide variation of music and sounds, and his selections must surely have included something to satisfy almost every possible taste.
A brisk Rock and Roll medley got the evening off to a lively start, followed by the sounds of James Last and 'Morning in Cornwall'. A Big Band medley, including Glenn Miller, preceded two items of Country music namely 'Blanket On The Ground' (Billie Jo Spears) and 'Ring Of Fire' (Johnny Cash). A few songs from the shows were followed by a selection of Latin American pieces.
By way of providing some classical music, Chris performed Dvorak's 'New World Symphony' a tune remembered as accompaniment to the famous televised bread advert followed by Mozart's 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' both played in the style of James Last. To round off the first half, Chris recalled his early days performing on the Mighty Wurlitzer in Blackpool. The authentic sounds emanating from his instrument made it easy to imagine that the Fairground Hall had become the Tower Ballroom and the speed at which the pedals moved to the 'Black And White Rag' almost rocked the stage!
'It's Not Unusual' and 'Delilah' (both Tom Jones hits) kicked off the second half, followed by a fine Celtic-flavoured interpretation of the popular 'You Raise Me Up' (a hit for Westlife and several other recording stars). The twangy guitar sound introduced two popular Shadows' tunes namely 'Wonderful Land' and 'Foot Tapper' before a medley of James Bond music, including a couple of John Barry compositions, and two Bert Kaempfert numbers 'Petula' and, of course, 'Strangers In The Night'.
By way of complete contrast, Chris then performed Offenbach's 'Orpheus In The Underworld' although his call for participation in the Can-Can was (perhaps fortunately?) ignored by the ladies in the hall! A little Traditional Jazz added to the variety of the evening's music before Chris returned once again to 'familiar' territory and to another medley of music associated with the Blackpool Tower Ballroom Wurlitzer.
In response to much acclaim, an encore could not be refused and Chris selected the 'Radetsky March', to which the audience responded with traditional clapping! A popular performer wherever he plays, Chris can be assured of another booking at Weyhill and the audience will no doubt approve.
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20 SEPTEMBER 2007
The Society's September concert featured the ever-popular BRETT WALES from Nottingham, making his third appearance at Weyhill. Brett proudly boasts that he commenced playing at the age of three although he was four years old before he performed in public! At the age of seven, Brett travelled to Germany where he met star Wersi players, Franz Lambert and the late Klaus Wunderlich, both of whom remain his idols and role models.
He has since established himself as one of the UK's most well-known organ and keyboard entertainers and has gained an immense following on the concert circuit. He has also played concerts in Germany and the Netherlands, delighting audiences with his own unique style and sound. Like Klaus Wunderlich, he has his very own recording studio where he continues to work on new recordings and where he strives to produce the fantastic sounds that are so much appreciated by his many fans.
The evening was given a lively start with 'Ghost Riders In The Sky', followed by a brief selection of dance rhythms and the Abba hit, 'Gimme Gimme Gimme' and 'These Boots Were Made For Walking' (Nancy Sinatra). By way of contrast, Brett then introduced the 'Waltz of Bavaria' (self-composed) and 'The Last Waltz', followed by 'Dark Eyes', 'Midnight in Moscow' and 'Russian Dance'. Completing the first half was the Billie Jo Spears hit, 'Blanket On The Ground' and 'Duelling Banjos' from the film 'Deliverance'.
After a break for refreshments, the concert resumed with 'Folsom Prison Blues' a hit associated with the late Johnny Cash and a couple of Rumbas, 'Manha de Carnaval' (aka 'Black Orpheus') and 'Let It Be Me'. Continuing the theme of 'Music for Everyone', Brett then performed and excellent interpretation of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody', followed by a dip into his Classical repertoire with the 'Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana' and Mozart's 'Marriage of Figaro'.
The guitar sound of Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez' exemplified the versatility of the electronic organ and 'All I Ask of You' (Andrew Lloyd Webber) was well received. A little Rock'n'Roll preceded a grand finale a fine arrangement of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' but Brett's evening was still not over. To shouts of "More!" from an enthusiastic audience, he returned to perform a medley of Latin American favourites to 'bring down the curtain' on a most enjoyable concert.
Brett has undoubtedly 'carved a niche' for himself in the Society's concert programme and is sure to be invited back to entertain the appreciative Weyhill audience.
During the evening, as part of the Society's ongoing charitable aims, a cheque for £100 was presented to Naomi House Children's Hospice.
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18 OCTOBER 2007
The Lights theatre proved to be the ideal setting for the Society's October concert, featuring star German player, CLAUDIA HIRSCHFELD. The venue (capacity 240 seats) was a complete sell-out for this special event indeed, many late applicants for tickets had to be disappointed and the audience was well entertained throughout the evening with an excellent blend of music.
Claudia, who resides near Dortmund, is known within the organ world as the 'Prima Ballerina' of the keyboard because it seems as if she is 'dancing' on the organ pedals, much like a tap dancer, and is capable of playing entire melodies with her feet! She has developed a tremendous rapport with her many fans around the world and captivates them with her explosive style and natural charm.
With her three-manual Wersi Louvre organ, Claudia delighted the audience with a wide selection of music, including a few of her own compositions. Her programme contained a number of Classical pieces, a few ballads, film music, a Gospel selection and a couple of marches, whilst an Elvis Presley Rock 'n' Roll medley met with obvious approval.
Arguably, the highlight of the first half was 'Lara's Theme' (from the film, 'Dr Zhivago'), performed in the style of James Last and strongly featuring orchestral string sounds. Classical music-lovers were treated to performances of 'Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves' (from 'Nabucco') and a selection of Mozart compositions 'Queen of the Night', 'Clarinet Concerto' and 'The Marriage of Figaro'.
The top quality entertainment continued after the interval with a Viennese medley, including the 'Thunder and Lightning Polka' and the 'Radetzky March'. However, the most popular piece was possibly 'Highland Cathedral' a tune composed in Germany but frequently associated with Scottish military bands. Claudia coaxed her instrument into producing the familiar bagpipe sounds, along with the full band accompaniment. Inevitably, such a stupendous concert performance called for an encore and the artiste duly obliged with a rendition of 'Jerusalem' to complete a truly fulfilling occasion.
Having clearly enjoyed her evening at The Lights, Claudia expressed the wish to return when circumstances permitted ... and no doubt there would be a great demand for tickets to see such a charming and talented lady a performer at the very top of her profession.
The concert was attended by the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr. Pam Mutton and her consort, Dennis along with the Deputy Mayor and two previous Mayors.
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15 NOVEMBER 2007
Compared to the considerable distances travelled by many performers visiting Weyhill, the November guest artiste, DARRELL HARVEY, had to make a relatively short journey from Bournemouth. For the past few years, Darrell has been Organist and Director of Music at St. Andrews Church in Boscombe; he has played at various organ societies throughout the South of England and also enjoys providing music for dances.
The concert was notable for the wide selection of music and for the variety of sounds that Darrell managed to produce from his instrument. It was patently obvious that a considerable amount of preparation and planning had gone into the programme to ensure audience satisfaction and only the less discerning could have left the hall without feeling pleased with the entertainment.
The first half contained Big Band music (including Count Basie and Glenn Miller), songs from the shows, a few selections from The Shadows and Abba, and a popular march. Classical music was represented by a fine version of Massenet's 'Meditation', complete with authentic violin, and 'Cavatina', aided by the John Williams guitar sound, was selected from the film, 'The Deer Hunter'. Darrell had even noted that Petula Clark was celebrating her 75th birthday performing 'Downtown' and 'My Love' to mark the occasion.
Use of the familiar sounds of the theatre organ and Classical organ the latter for Bach's Toccata in D Minor at the beginning of the second half added further interest, whilst the music associated with the likes of Herb Alpert, Bert Kaempfert, Buddy Holly and Katie Melua met with approval. Mozart's 'Rondo a la Turk' was performed in the style of James Last, the 'Black and White Rag' evoked memories of Winifred Atwell ... and, with commendable accuracy, Darrell enlisted the sounds of the bagpipes and military band for a rendition of the ever-popular 'Highland Cathedral'.
Darrell's performance maintained the excellent standard of entertainment to which the Society has become accustomed and was indeed a pleasant and relaxing way to spend an evening for everyone who decided to defy the cold weather.
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20 DECEMBER 2007
The Society's pre-Christmas concert, containing a blend of music and laughter, was an excellent way in which to end 2007 and certainly got the packed audience into the festive spirit. The guest artiste was ANDREW NIX, from Selby in North Yorkshire, making his first but unlikely to be his only appearance at Weyhill.
Andrew has established himself on the organ circuit, not only as a musician but also as an entertainer, and his varied musical repertoire along with his sharp Yorkshire wit has made him one of the countrys favourite performers. At seventeen years of age, he was appointed Organist and Musical Director for a Theatre Group performing at Butlins, Barry Island. After three seasons with Butlins and one for Haven Holidays, Andrew went freelance and became increasingly in demand for concerts and dances nationwide on both theatre and electronic organs. He is one of the busiest performers on the circuit but still manages to find time to play for dances and shows and even fits in a few overseas engagements. This lifestyle has given him the opportunity to work with many top cabaret names.
The evening began with Sousa's 'High School Cadets' march, followed by 'The Rose', a song popularised by both Bette Midler and Westlife. After a Cole Porter medley, Andrew performed 'The Impossible Dream' from 'Man of La Mancha', followed by a delightful version of 'Music Box Dancer' (Frank Mills), 'One Voice' (Barry Manilow) and 'One Moment in Time' Whitney Houston). A selection from the popular 'Les Miserables' musical and a Beatles medley led up to the interval.
After everyone had partaken of some welcome sausage rolls and mince pies, Andrew returned to the stage for the second half with a collection of dance tunes composed by Walter Donaldson. The toe-tapping, 'Tyrolean Waltz' and the 'Bel Viso Polka' were then followed by a Disney selection whilst the remainder of the evening was devoted to popular Christmas songs and audience participation with a selection of well-known carols, culminating with an encore of 'White Christmas'.
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