St Saviour’s
Christmas Gala Concert
Thursday 19th December
at 7.30pm
An evening of Christmas Songs, Music, Carols and Reflection.
PROGRAMME
Welcome
Introduction
O come, all ye faithful ALL
18th century, translated Frederick Oakeley
Angels from the realms of glory Malcolm Archer Choir and organ
Sans day carol Trad. Arr Rutter Choir and organ
Reading: A Christmas Letter unknown soldier from World War I Gail Brundle
O little town of Bethlehem Phillips Brooks ALL
The Angels’ Carol John Rutter Choir and piano
A Christmas Fanfare arranged Nigel G. Simmons Band
Santa Claus-trophobia arranged Sandy Smith
It came upon the midnight clear Edmund Sears ALL
Infant Holy Traditional Basque Carol Arr. Willcocks Choir
Esta Noche John Rutter Choir, soloist, violin and piano
(Piano: Paul Frisby, Soprano: Rebecca Anstey, Violin: Colin Hughes)
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, ALL
Words: v1&2 unknown v3 J T McFarland
Arr.: Stephen Burtonwood
You are the new day John David. Renaissance Singers
Deck the hall with bows of holly Trad
O come divine Messiah Howard Helvey Choir and organ
Reading: A Yorkshire Nativity Gervais Finn Gail Brundle
The First Noel, the Angels did say William B. Sandys ALL
Christmas Lullaby John Rutter Choir and organ
Have yourself a merry little Christmas Solo: Rebecca Anstey (Mezzo)
Words Ralph Blane, music Hugh Martin.
Winter Wonderland Felix Bernard Organ
Jingle Bells Pierpoint (arranged Willcocks) Choir, piano and organ
Hark, the herald-angels sing Charles Wesley ALL
A Christmas prayer and blessing
We wish you a merry Christmas Choir
Band to play Christmas music on exit…
BIOGRAPHIES
Rebecca Anstey
Rebecca achieved a Degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Performance and Opera at Birmingham Conservatoire, under the tuition of Christine Cairns. Whilst at the Conservatoire she won a Kathleen Ferrier Trust award and a Music Sound Fund award. Rebecca has performed with Grange Park Opera among other touring opera companies, playing roles such as Romeo in Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi and Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice. As a soloist, she has performed in many major works including Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s St John’s Passion, Mozart’s Requiem, Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Rossini’s Stabat Mater with a number of choral societies. These include Seaford, Shrewsbury, Hailsham and Norwich, The Royal College of Organists, The Royal Free Singers, Derby Cathedral Choir and the Choir of St John’s. Rebecca now spends most of her time singing, teaching and giving vocal workshops to choral societies.
Gail Brundle
Gail Brundle has been a teacher for over 25 years with a passion for English and Drama. She was Head of English at Bede’s prep school for several years and is now Head of Drama at Yately manor school in Hampshire.
Paul Frisby
Paul is a tenor soloist and performs with the Renaissance Singers. Known to many as a doctor in the town. Paul has an interesting background. He studied medicine at Guy’s Hospital in London having turned down a choral Scholarship at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge. Not only a great singer, he is also a fine pianist as you will hear this evening.
Colin Hughes
Colin Hughes Colin trained at Trinity College of Music, London, where he studied the Violin. Whilst there he was awarded scholarships for both piano and organ and developed an interest in accompanying. He has performed in major venues including The Royal Albert Hall, The Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Glyndebourne. He grew up in North London and held positions as Choirmaster and Organist at a number of churches, as well as playing in orchestras and chamber groups, giving solo recitals, conducting choral societies and drumming for a rock band. Since moving to Eastbourne, Colin has become well known and respected as a teacher, accompanist and performer.
Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass
Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass, originally formed as the Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band in 1922 and the Village Reading Room in Glynde was its bandroom for almost 80 years. An invitation from Lewes Town Council, led to the Band relocating to the All Saints Arts Centre in 2002. Recent engagements include appearances at various venues including Hever Castle and at Eastbourne’s 1812 nights. In addition to a busy calendar, the band competes in the Southern Counties Amateur Band Association and in 2006 gained a place at the National Brass Band Finals in Harrogate. In 2013 LGB Brass were crowned Third Section National Champions of Great Britain. The musical achievements made by the band are largely due to the Musical Director, Ian Stewart, who has developed the Band’s skills using his wealth of experience and knowledge.
The Renaissance Singers
The Renaissance Singers, one of Eastbourne’s most popular local musical Groups, was founded over 40 years ago by Reginald Bertin and have established a loyal following enabling them to raise funds for a wide range of local charities as well as singing for private functions. They currently sing under the leadership of Paul Collins who stepped in after the sad death of Shirley Barrell earlier this year. They specialise in unaccompanied singing and aim to produce a pure blend of sound. They have developed a diverse repertoire including motets, madrigals, spirituals and folk songs and specifically seasonal material. The singers’ enthusiasm and enjoyment during their performances is evident and they consistently inspire a warm response from audiences.
Ian Stewart
Ian Stewart began playing trombone at school when he was 11. He was became a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and a Junior Exhibitioner at the Guildhall. Ian has been a member of Horsham Borough Band and is currently a member of Friary Guildford, giving many years of membership to each.
After school, Ian spent 22 years in the army music service, first as a bandsman in the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Green Jackets. In 1985, he completed the army Bandmaster’s course and was appointed Bandmaster to the Queen’s Own Hussars. His final appointment was as School Bandmaster at Kneller Hall.
Ian became Musical Director of LGB Brass in 1999 and has conducted the band on concert tours to France, Germany and Hungary, as well as all their regular venues in Eastbourne and Lewes.
In his spare time, Ian likes trains and plays trombone.