Michelmersh Silver Band joined forces with the Romsey Male Voice Choir in Romsey Abbey on Saturday 16th July for what proved to be a stunning concert, played to an equally amazing packed house, not a mean feat for the size of the Abbey.
The choir and Band played alternating programs culminating in a couple of show stopping numbers combining both ensembles including Morte Christe.
The Band took the opportunity to perform live for the first time a couple of numbers that they will be using in a future Entertainment Contest in September. The piece Saints Fantasy pushed the Band with its choreography, starting with a slushy trombone solo and quintet at the back of the Cathedral. The quintet adorned in summer boaters played a sombre funeral March whilst walking the length of the Cathedral before breaking into Jazz as they arrived at the side of the Band. If that wasn't enough the piece calls for the Band to simultaneously sing three different songs (yes I did say SING!), not a patch on the choir but a credible effort.
All in all an incredible evening and topped off with a welcome letter from our MP, Caroline Noakes who commented that the Concert was the highlight of the Romsey Arts Festival.
Some other welcome comments after the Concert:
"Cllr Mike Curtis has asked me to pass on his thanks for an extremely enjoyable evening at the concert on 16th July in Romsey Abbey.
He very much enjoyed hearing you all again." Mike was Town Mayor until May of this year and joined us for a drink in the Abbey Hotel after the concert.
"Michelmersh Silver Band's Saints Fantasy was brilliant." Tweeted by MP Caroline Noakes straight after the concert
“Please convey my congratulations and thanks for a really fantastic evening in the Abbey. All the band seemed to be enjoying themselves and boy did they bring out all the stops.” George Andreae, our contact at Romsey Male Voice Choir
"Better than anything you'd get in London" from a member of the audience who has booked since booked us to play at a wedding in March.