The Bristol Post & BBC Radio Bristol
in aid of
THE LORD MAYOR OF BRISTOL’S CHILDREN APPEAL Monday, December 11, 2017 Colston Hall
WELCOME A VERY WARM WELCOME TO OUR CONCERT THIS EVENING; it’s a delight to join forces once again with our friends at the Bristol Post and some of the West’s finest musical talent for what promises to be the highlight of the Christmas season. It’s been a busy and memorable year since we were last here and in that 12 months we’ve broadcast stories of some remarkable local people. ‘When Michael Met Johnny’ brought together Michael Buerk and Dambuster George ‘Johnny’ Johnson; the life of Darth Vader actor Dave Prowse was told in ‘The Man Behind the Mask’; and ‘Flour Power’ saw Andy Batten-Foster relive the unforgettable night in 1963 when the Beatles were flour-bombed at the Colston Hall. Throughout the year you’ve joined us at everything from the Bristol Harbour Festival and the Big Anniversary Sing to the Bath Half Marathon and our pre-season Sports Forum live at Ashton Gate, sharing your photos, videos and comments. Just a few weeks ago, BBC Local Radio turned 50 and we were able to celebrate in style. Our programme about the Bamboo Club in St Paul’s won a prestigious AIB Award (Association for International Broadcasting). Meanwhile our online and social media coverage picked up a coveted Gillard Award. That prize is named after Frank Gillard, who was Head of the BBC West Region when he created the idea of a chain of local stations across England. Frank’s vision and legacy was celebrated in our golden anniversary programme, ‘Friendly Radio’. We have plenty of special things planned for 2018. So whether you are a loyal listener of many years standing, or a recent convert to the station, I hope you have a very enjoyable and thoroughly festive evening with us.
GOOD EVENING AND A WARM WELCOME TO THE BRISTOL POST AND BBC RADIO BRISTOL CAROL CONCERT. For 40 years this carol concert has marked the start of the countdown to Christmas. The carols, the music and the performances always get everyone into a fabulously festive mood. But it is also important to remember that aside from celebrating Christmas, the carol concert also raises vital funds for an incredibly important cause. Bristol is an affluent city yet there are many families who struggle at this time of year. The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal works tirelessly throughout the year to help these disadvantaged families to bring them some cheer during the festive season. Money raised at the concert goes towards providing vouchers for more than 1,600 children in need at Christmas time which can be exchanged for food, clothes and toys. No child should be left without a present at Christmas. Through your support of the carol concert and generosity we can ensure the children of Bristol who are in the greatest need will not miss out. Have a lovely evening and on behalf of everyone at the Bristol Post, I would like to wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a peaceful, happy and prosperous 2018.
Sarah Pullen Managing Director, Trinity Mirror Midlands and West, Commercial Director of Trinity Mirror Regionals.
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Richard Purvis Acting Editor; BBC Radio Bristol
TONIGHT’S CONCERT Musical director SAM BURNS Presenters EMMA BRITTON & ALEXANDRA DENMAN Organist ERIC TYSON With Bold Brass, the Bristol Cathedral Choir School Chamber Choir, Gurt Lush and the MAN Chorus
INTERVAL
AUDIENCE Hark the Herald Angels Sing
BRISTOL CATHEDRAL CHOIR SCHOOL CHAMBER CHOIR Ave Maria Karl Jenkins Conducted by Esme Caldwell We Wish you a Merry Christmas Traditional, arr. Brown
AUDIENCE Ding Dong, Merrily On High FOURTH READING
BOLD BRASS Musical Director Phil Jones Gaudete Traditional, arr. Alan Fernie Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Traditional, arr. Edward Mylechreest
FIFTH READING SOLOIST: Sarah Proudfoot (accompanied by Rich Smith) Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
FIRST READING AUDIENCE Good King Wenceslas
AUDIENCE O Come, All Ye Faithful
SECOND READING
SIXTH READING
BRISTOL CATHEDRAL CHOIR SCHOOL CHAMBER CHOIR Musical Director Eiron Bailey Accompanist: Helen Gascoyne Sure On This Shining Night Morten Lauridsen
BOLD BRASS Frosty the Snowman Walter E. Rollins, Steve Nelson, arr. Alan FERNIE Jingle Bells Traditional, arr. Derek Ashmore
THIRD READING SOLOIST: Sarah Proudfoot (accompanied by Rich Smith) I’ll Be Home for Christmas
RESULT OF THE LORD MAYOR’S APPEAL AUDIENCE The Twelve Days of Christmas
AUDIENCE The Christmas Song Bob Wells, Mel Tormé
BOLD BRASS Merry Xmas Everyone Noddy Holder, arr. Dave Hollister
COLLECTION in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Children Appeal
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AS THE NIGHTS DRAW IN and the heating goes on I look forward to Christmas as a very special time that we spend in the company of families and loved ones. A highlight and well-loved city tradition of the Christmas season is the joining together to sing some of the nation’s favourite carols. The Bristol Post and Radio Bristol Carol Concert is a joyous event and one which raises much-needed money for disadvantaged children. Every year, people like you help the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal raise enough money to give 1,650 children a Christmas they wouldn’t otherwise experience. The harsh reality for so many of the poorest children is a Christmas with no presents and no Christmas dinner to enjoy. By supporting the charity you are helping to ensure each child receives a £20 voucher for food and a £20 voucher for a toy or clothing. This volunteer-led charity works with social workers to ensure that children who are most in need receive these vouchers. Thank you for your generosity in supporting tonight’s carol concert.
Councillor Lesley Alexander The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Bristol
ON BEHALF OF OUR CITY’S most disadvantaged children I would like to thank everyone who supports this event – from the musicians, choirs, presenters and organisers to Colston Hall, the Bristol Post and Radio Bristol, our volunteers and the audience. You are making a real difference
Bruce Simmonds Chairman and Treasurer, The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal
For further details, including other ways to support the charity: W: lordmayorofbristolappeal.co.uk T: 0117 903 1460 or 07768 077864 The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal, The Mansion House, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3LJ Registered charity number 288262
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HARK THE HERALD ANGEL SING Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail! the heav’n born Prince of peace! Hail! the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, Born that we no more may die: Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest heav’n adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come, Offspring of a Virgin’s womb. Veil’d in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail, th’incarnate Deity: Pleased, as man, with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
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GOOD KING WENCESLAS Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, Deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight Gath’ring winter fuel.
Page and monarch forth they went, Forth they went together, Through the rude wind’s wild lament And the bitter weather. “Sire, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger. Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer.” “Mark my footsteps, good my page; Tread thou in them boldly. Thou shalt find the winter’s rage Freeze thy blood less coldly.”
“Hither, page, and stand by me, If thou know’st it, telling: Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?” “Sire, he lives a good league hence Underneath the mountain Right against the forest fence By Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
In his master’s steps he trod, Where the snow lay dinted. Heat was in the very sod Which the Saint had printed. Therefore, Christian folk, be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing.
“Bring me flesh and bring me wine, Bring me pine logs hither. Thou and I will see him dine When we bear them thither.”
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THE CHRISTMAS SONG Chestnuts roasting on an open fire; Jack Frost nipping at your nose; Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, And folks dressed up like Eskimos. Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe Help to make the season bright. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow Will find it hard to sleep tonight. They know that Santa’s on his way; He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. And every mother’s child is gonna spy To see if reindeer really know how to fly. So I’m offering this simple phrase To kids from one to ninety-two. Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you. They know that Santa’s on his way; He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. And every mother’s child is gonna spy To see if reindeer really know how to fly. So I’m offering this simple phrase to kids from one to ninety-two. Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you. 7
DING dong, MERRILY ON HIGH Ding dong! Merrily on high, In heav’n the bells are ringing: Ding dong! Verily the sky Is riv’n with angel singing. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! E’en so here below, below, Let steeple bells be swungen, And “I-O-I-O-I-O!” By priest and people sungen. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Pray you, dutifully prime Your matin chime, you ringers. May you beautifully rhyme Your evetime song, you singers. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
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O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold him; born the king of angels. O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord. God of God, light of light, Lo! He abhors not the virgin’s womb. Very God, begotten, not created. O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation. Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above. Glory to God in the highest. O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
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THE 12 DAYS O On the ďŹ rst day of Christmas, My true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree. On the third day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
On the fourth day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the Eighth day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
On the ďŹ fth day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree. 10
OF CHRISTMAS On the ninth day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree. On the twelfth day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree!
On the tenth day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree. On the eleventh day of Christmas, My true love sent to me Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, 11
Season’s Greetings from everyone at the West’s favourite radio station BBC Radio Bristol is your friend throughout the day, bringing you great stories, gripping coverage of local events and all the news, weather, travel and sport that you need across the West. All mixed with the finest music old and new. Emma Britton (with Billy the Beagle)
We’re delighted to be part of tonight’s Carol Concert and we’ll be broadcasting an hour-long programme of highlights on Christmas Eve at 9.00am and 5.00pm. You can hear it again on Christmas Day at 9.00am and then for 30 days at bbc.co.uk/radiobristol Why not share your Christmas photos, posts and tweets with us? www.facebook.com/bbcradiobristol bristol@bbc.co.uk
@bbcrb
BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR
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BIOGRAPHIES A little bit of background on tonight’s performers
Sam Burns Musical Director Sam grew up in Bristol and spent seven years touring with ‘The Moonflowers’, best known for playing naked at Ashton Court, setting fire to their trousers, and harassing Avon & Somerset Constabulary in large cardboard fish costumes. Around the year 2000 he started directing several village choirs, largely by accident, and he set up Gurt Lush choir in 2009. He now lives in St Andrews with his wife Adel and five children.
Alexandra Denman Presenter Alex lives in Totterdown and is delighted to be back at the Colston Hall for her 21st year presenting the Lord Mayor’s Christmas concert. An experienced singer and actress, she is resident vocalist with the Westerly Showband and this year she has also sung with Bristol Opera and directed a tour of Rigoletto for Bath Opera. 13
BIOGRAPHIES essential part of the Bristol Post Carol concert in the Colston Hall. The group also play at concerts in churches and indoor and outdoor music festivals, as well as visiting Germany, France and Czechoslovakia over the years. For further information, we can be found on Facebook or visit our website at http://marti970.wix.com/ bold–brass
Bold Brass We’re delighted to welcome Phil Jones back as our Musical Director. This year the ensemble celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a musical get–together with past members, friends and families. The line–up of five trumpets, flugelhorn, tenor horn, euphonium, tuba, three trombones and percussion is now well established and gives much more versatility than the original line up all those years ago! Our players have many years of experience playing in brass bands, jazz and big bands. The standard of playing is to semi–professional standard and the repertoire is drawn from classical, jazz, big band and popular brass band music. Many of our arrangements have been made especially for the group by past and present members and musical directors. Bold Brass has provided music for the Open University award ceremonies in Torquay, Cheltenham and Milton Keynes for over 15 years and for many years have been an
Bristol Cathedral Choir School Chamber Choir Musical Director Eiron Bailey Bristol Cathedral Choir School has five large choirs – this is the senior group. We meet weekly and perform a number of times in the year covering large scale works and smaller pieces. Eiron Bailey began conducting at University, winning a number of competitions. At Cambridge University he was appointed Assistant Conductor of the University Music Society, working closely with Stephen Cleobury. His first professional appointment was as Musical Director of the Huntingdonshire Phiharmonic 14
BIOGRAPHIES Society – a large choir and semi– professional orchestra. Since moving to Bristol, he has conducted the New Bristol Sinfonia, the newly named Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra and Bristol Brass Consort. He was also Musical Director of Thornbury Choral Society for five years, as well as being very active as a trumpet player. Eiron was appointed Director of Music Specialism at Bristol Cathedral Choir School in January 2009 and has worked closely with Bristol Plays Music to support music education across the city as Senior Education Consultant. He took up the post of Conductor of the Bristol Youth Orchestra in January 2015. He now works across the Cathedral Schools Trust to develop music in a family of Primary and Secondary Schools.
Britain, Southmead Hospital and multiple strange outdoor locations including the Portway and Staple Hill Tunnel. The choir sings all styles of music. Two branches rehearse weekly in Bishopston and Redland – no auditions!
Gurt Lush Choir Founded in 2009, Gurt Lush Choir quickly grew to be one of the largest and most remarkable open–access choirs in the country. We sing all styles of a cappella music and perform regularly in Bristol’s finest venues. We love collaborating and are proud to have worked with Bristol Schools Philharmonia, Andy Sheppard, Sam Lee, Project Zulu, Opera Anywhere, The Fantasy Orchestra, The Gypsy Stars, Russian vocal ensemble Lyra, brass bands and many more. From rugby matches to the docks to churches to underground tunnels, if we can make a noise in it, we probably will. Three branches rehearse weekly in St Andrews, Redland and Southville – no auditions!
Bristol Man Chorus Bristol MAN Chorus was founded in Jan 2016. In the first year they performed in the Colston Hall, the Hippodrome, St Georges, the Old Vic, St Albans, the M–Shed, SS Great 15
MERRY CHRISTMAS from everyone at
BristolPost.co.uk