Music lovers will be spoiled for choice in the next couple of weeks as a series of concerts showcase a huge variety of local talent.
First on the bill is a concert led by the Manx Youth Choir, who will be performing at All Saints’ Church, Douglas, on Wednesday 9th December, starting at 7.30pm.
Guests of the concert will be the Manx Children’s Choir, conducted by Adele Parsons, and the Ramsey Grammar School Brass Band, conducted by Jennifer Cook.
The programme will include the Island premiere of Missa Carolae by James Whitbourne. Maggie Richardson, the Department of Education's Head of Music Service and conductor of the Manx Youth Choir, says, "Originally composed to be performed in Rochester Cathedral, this is an unusual work that combines the words of the traditional Latin Mass with well-known carol melodies.
"Although All Saints’ Church isn't as big as Rochester Cathedral, the acoustic is very good and should help us to produce a big sound for this lovely piece. The organ part is virtuosic and we are lucky to be accompanied by Graham Kirkland."
The versatile Ramsey Grammar School Brass Band will accompany the congregational carols as well as playing its own programme.
Tickets for this concert are ?5 (students aged 18 and under - ?3.50) and proceeds will go to the Manx Youth Choir Association.
Tickets are available from the Music Centre on (01624) 686555. The Manx Youth Choir (for 14 to 19-year-olds) and the Manx Children’s Choir (for eight to 13-year-olds) are open to young people interested in singing; please contact the Music Centre for more information.
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On Friday 11th December, the Friday Lunchtime Community Choir, also conducted by Maggie Richardson, will hold its first concert – just eight weeks after its first rehearsal!
The 15-minute performance will take place at the Salvation Army Citadel on Lord Street in Douglas from 1.30pm to 1.45pm. Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection for the Salvation Army.
"The concert has to be short because we have to fit in with members’ lunch hours," said Maggie, "but we hope our audience will appreciate the range of musical styles we have learned so far."
The programme will include lively African music, a sacred piece by Schubert, pop song arrangements and some seasonal music.
The choir had to move to a bigger rehearsal space after larger than anticipated numbers attended the first week. Now, more than 100 singers meet every Friday at from 1.15pm to 1.45pm during term time. All are welcome, with no previous experience necessary.
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Last but far from least, the Manx Youth Orchestra holds its traditional Christmas Festival Concert at the Villa Marina on Saturday 12th December at 7.30pm.
The sparkling occasion will feature the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Youth Orchestras, the Swing Band and the Youth Guitar Ensemble.
The packed programme includes music by Schubert, Faure, Karl Jenkins, Eric Whitacre, Stan Kenton and William Walton.
The concert will be compered by Manx Radio’s Alex Brindley and will be held in the presence of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks, and Lady Haddacks.
Maggie Richardson says, "From Jazz to Viennese waltz, from traditional Christmas music to some surprises, this is an evening to delight everyone."
Tickets priced ?7 - ?9 are available from the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre ticket hotline on (01624) 600555, or the Manx Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal.
The annual concert has raised thousands of pounds for local charities over the years. This year, the beneficiaries will be the Friends of the Manx Youth Orchestra themselves.
Maggie paid tribute to the work of the Friends, saying, "Under the leadership of Bernard Osborne, the founder of the Manx Youth Orchestra, the FMYO provide us with the funding we need to ensure further development of this fine group of young players, many of whom take up music as their chosen profession.
"Top conservatoires in the UK are very interested in our musicians because of the high standards we are able to achieve. The opportunities we give to our young people would not be possible without this support."
