A Festive Alleluia
in General December 20, 2015
The audience in Kay Park Parish Church were already in the Christmas mood before the Aeolian Male Voice Choir took the stage for their Annual Carol Concert. The excellent Saltire Brass having given them a stirring selection of Christmas music. This quintet hails from Ayrshire & would be an asset to any concert stage. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the joint pieces by Choir & Brass performed during the Evening. The choir, led by their Musical Director, Mr Alex Ferguson & their accompanist Mr David Walker were given a warm welcome from the capacity audience in Kay Park Church. After a few choice remarks from Compere John Goodwin the choir gave a rousing rendition of "Joy to the World" followed by "Have you heard". This piece featured Soloists Mr Neil Sommerville & Mr John Goodwin.Saltire Brass then treated us to a feast of traditional Festive music which was well received by the audience.The choir performed the traditional “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” followed by the haunting “ Mary Did You Know”. David Walker’s accompaniment for this piece was a joy to listen to.
Saltire Brass then accompanied the choir in what has become a standard with the Aeolian at Christmas –“Schneewalter”. Mr Ferguson can usually inspire the choir to sing as he requires but to get them to sing & sway at the same time is beyond even his considerable talents!!
Saltire Brass played a further selection of Brass pieces. Their version of “Sir Duke” was one of the highlights of the evening.
Light & progressive versions of “This Little Light of Mine" & “A Festive Alleluia” were performed by the Aeolian Choir.
The audience warmly welcomed back Mezzo Soprano Beth Taylor for her second set of songs. Beth has a wonderful voice & a very engaging personality. The audience gave her a rousing reception for her performance. Beth’s future career is destined for great things & we look forward to following her progress in years to come
The congregation then took centre stage with a warming performance of three traditional carols.
President Reg Short very ably thanked a host of people who made the evening a success.
For the final time the choir rose & completed their performance with the wonderful “Deck the Hall" to which the audience gave a stirring round of applause.
Looking from the “body of the kirk” it can be seen that the choir has a number of new members & it is gratifying to see some younger faces. A presentation of flowers to Beth Taylor was handled so well by choir scholar Ross Fitzpatrick. The audience enjoyed this & gave him a cheer as did his fellow choir members. Ross is sixteen years old & thoroughly enjoying his time with the Aeolian.
Mr Alex Ferguson keeps pushing the choir to new heights. The new pieces are refreshing & the choir look as if they are enjoying the challenge .Along with accompanist & Assistant Musical Director Mr David Walker the choir has a formidable array of musical talent to take them forward.
Comments as I left the Church were very favourable & I look forward to the Choir’s Annual Concert on the 19th March 2016. –The challenge is to sustain the progress they are making. Personally I think they are up for it!
Sheila Adams
The Congregation sang three Carols which sounded wonderful in the church.
John Goodwin introduced Mezzo Soprano Miss Beth Taylor who enchanted us with her first selection of songs. Her voice sounded wonderful in Kay Park Church
Saltire Brass then accompanied the choir in what has become a standard with the Aeolian at Christmas –“Schneewalter”. Mr Ferguson can usually inspire the choir to sing as he requires but to get them to sing & sway at the same time is beyond even his considerable talents!!
Saltire Brass played a further selection of Brass pieces. Their version of “Sir Duke” was one of the highlights of the evening.
Light & progressive versions of “This Little Light of Mine" & “A Festive Alleluia” were performed by the Aeolian Choir.
The audience warmly welcomed back Mezzo Soprano Beth Taylor for her second set of songs. Beth has a wonderful voice & a very engaging personality. The audience gave her a rousing reception for her performance. Beth’s future career is destined for great things & we look forward to following her progress in years to come
The congregation then took centre stage with a warming performance of three traditional carols.
Choir President Reg Short introduced Mr Gerry McCoy of Alzheimer Scotland & presented him with a donation from the Choir. Mr McCoy gave a brief explanation of the work of Alzheimer Scotland & thanked the choir for their generosity.
Choir President Reg Short with Mr Gerry McCoy Alzheimer Scotland
President Reg Short very ably thanked a host of people who made the evening a success.
For the final time the choir rose & completed their performance with the wonderful “Deck the Hall" to which the audience gave a stirring round of applause.
Looking from the “body of the kirk” it can be seen that the choir has a number of new members & it is gratifying to see some younger faces. A presentation of flowers to Beth Taylor was handled so well by choir scholar Ross Fitzpatrick. The audience enjoyed this & gave him a cheer as did his fellow choir members. Ross is sixteen years old & thoroughly enjoying his time with the Aeolian.
Mr Alex Ferguson keeps pushing the choir to new heights. The new pieces are refreshing & the choir look as if they are enjoying the challenge .Along with accompanist & Assistant Musical Director Mr David Walker the choir has a formidable array of musical talent to take them forward.
Comments as I left the Church were very favourable & I look forward to the Choir’s Annual Concert on the 19th March 2016. –The challenge is to sustain the progress they are making. Personally I think they are up for it!
Sheila Adams