Christmas Concert

Christmas Concert At The Parr Hall 2007

There was even a visit from Father Christmas to this year's concert!

The Parr Hall Christmas concerts hosted by Warrington Male Voice Choir are now recognized as an annual institution in Warrington; this year, held on the 14th and 15th December, 2007. Christmas programmes may not vary much in content, by the very nature of Christmas music, but their capacity for promoting the festive spirit among the townsfolk of Warrington is highly regarded across the town. This year, the choir were delighted to have as their guests the famous Wingates Band, who performed a varied seasonal programme, with fine virtuoso instrumental solo performances. The band was conducted by Andrew Berryman, and the choir by our own MD, Russell Paterson, familiar to Parr Hall audiences since 1993, and infamous for his cringeworthy jokes! Accompanist was the ever dependable, Anthony Whittaker. Choir and band were well received on both nights by the Parr Hall audiences. No description of the Warrington Male Voice Concerts at the Parr Hall would be complete without mention of the choir's concert presenter, Bob Williams. Bob's enthusiasm for, and commitment to, the cause of the Warrington Male Voice Choir has never faltered. His cheery and engaging approach has made him popular with choristers and audiences alike during the ten years, or so, that he has been compèring the choir's concerts.

Andrew Berryman, Resident Conductor at Wingates Band, is well known to members of the choir from previous work done with the choir. He began playing the trombone at the age of eight with Bodmin Town Band. He attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and then, in 1984, joined the Ulster Orchestra. He is Musical Director of Corus Brass, Principal Trombone with the Halle Orchestra, and teaches trombone at the Royal Northern College of Music. There is more about Andrew on the band's website at www.wingatesband.co.uk

Our soprano soloist was Claire Ronan. Claire hails from the northwest, and her extensive early training with Rita Crosby led to solo performances across the soprano repertoire, both nationally and internationally. She has specialised in Early and Light Opera, and French and Italian Song, and was privileged to perform alongside the late Luciano Pavarotti with the renowned Manchester Chorale during his final tour of the UK. Claire regularly sings with the vocal group, Quintessential, and is currently studying with the respected soprano, Jayne Carpenter. Earlier this year she accompanied Warrington Male Voice Choir on the choir's successful tour to Montréal.

Some images from the concerts.

The mini choir performing 'The Holy Son'.

Russell delivers the punchline of the terrible annual joke, although, in fairness, this year's was quite good.

Eddie gets his moment of glory, tinkling the bell, as the choir gets ready for 'Sleigh Ride'

Tony wearing out the ends of his fingers.

Some images from the concerts.

View more images from the concert here and look back at two very enjoyable and fun filled evenings.