A Summer Symphony

Weymouth Choral Society

Patriotism and good humour were the keynotes of a summer concert given jointly by the Weymouth Choral Society and Weymouth Concert Brass at All Saints’ School, Wyke Regis.

Under musical directors Helen Brind and Kevin Goodwin, the concert - entitled A Summer Symphony - was described as ‘a musical bonanza to suit all tastes’ and the enthusiasm of the packed audience showed that the goal was well and truly achieved.

The concert opened in tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday – starting with a rousing fanfare, specially composed for the occasion by Concert Brass’s director Kevin Goodwin, which immediately established a sense of occasion. After the National Anthem, the baton passed to Helen Brind who directed her choir in stylish performances of Vivaldi’s sparkly Gloria and Verdi’s dramatic Dies Irae.

The choir then moved into lighter vein with renderings of several popular tunes, including Swing Low and Streets of London. Both classical and popular veins were well supported by the sure touch of accompanist Louise Dukes.

Concert Brass then took over again, proudly playing pieces that have served them well in competitions. This sequence began with a rousing performance of the last movement of Michael Ball’s A Cambrian Suite, which could probably have been heard as far away as Dorchester, and ended with the more sombre tones of Turin’s Hymn for Diana.

To end the first half, band and choir joined together for the irresistibly popular Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, to the delight of the audience.

After the break, concert brass turned to film soundtracks, including powerful and technically accomplished renderings of music from The Pirates of the Caribbean and Batman.

The choir followed, performing well-loved show tunes, a sequence that included Lehar’s Merry Widow Waltz, which was gracefully enlivened by a spontaneous dance by two choir members – Keith Espin and his wife Dorota.

By the end of the concert the audience was in splendid mood and more than ready for the lively Last Night of the Proms finale. Band and choir joined in spirited renderings of Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem and Rule Britannia, accompanied by traditional flag-waving and foot stamping to round off a truly convivial evening.

NORMAN HARTLEY