Pops and Pans

Last night was the Operatics concert - "Pops and Pans" - and what a concert it was. i was so impressed by the quality of the singing, the control and expression was excellent.
They started off with a Carpenters selection. There were all the old favourites in there, nice for the kids (who had all come along fir the first time) as they knew most of these. They were all sung very well...my only slight disapointment was that I felt it could have done with a bit more harmony in some of them. But this is a minor point really, considering the job Caroline has done.

Next came the Sinatra Showcase, one which I've done several times before, so was singing along (quietly!). Again, it was done really well and always goes down well with the audience.

Then came the "Pans" secttion of the concert - the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Youth Steel Band. It was really nice to hear something totally different...I'm sure not many people in the audience would normally have gone to hear a steel band, so it was great for them to be introduced to something new. And, although I felt maybe they did one too many numbers in the first half, the stuff they did was really great. Such a good range, from Jamaican traditional, to Atomic Kitten, to Swan Lake. I was particularly impressed by the classical pieces.

Then we had the break, and the kids were very excited to go down and see Lisa briefly.

The second half kicked off with a celebration of the 60th anniversary of VE Day in the form of a selection of war-time songs. There were some lovely ones in this section, including some beautiful solos (my favourites of these being Ellie Weston's "A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square" and the young Daniel Clift singing "The White Cliffs of Dover"). The choir's performance of "Rose of England" was just superb - big 4-part harmonies and full of expression and emotion.

Then the Lindsey Community Steel Band did a selection, which was very enjoyable again. To finish, the choir did 3 Michael Jackson songs. "Will You Be There" - the theme from Free Willy, was done with the steel band accompanying, and sounded amazing - building up to a great gospel crescendo. "She's Out Of My Life" featured solos by Pete and Don, and finally "Heal The World" was a great way to finish.

Overall it was a really excellent concert - the sound and controll of the choir was great...Caroline has done an excellent job. And I was so proud of Lisa doing it. She has enjoyed it so much, and this always comes across when she's singing. The only negative thing I could say about the choir would be that it needs a lot more people to actually look like they're enjoying themselves. There was such a great sound last night, if it had been matched by 60 smiling faces, it would have made a great concert outstanding. But again, this is a minor quibble. We all thouroughly enjoyed it and I think the rest of the packed house did too. I was quite sad that I hadn't been able to take part, and I know Lisa is very sad that it is all finished. There is no way she can realistically do the show, and by the time the next concert comes around, we will hopefully be in France, so that's about it for us and Operatics - what a great experience we have had with them.

Next for Lisa is "The Armed Man" with the Philharmonic. We've got the CD for this and it sounds amazing - I was close to tears when I first heard it. I think it's going to be a very moving concert, so look out for that one. As for me, well I have to make do with singing in the car these days, which is a bit sad, but never mind...it will all be worth it in the end :o)