On 11 December children from 43 different primary schools in Brighton & Hove formed a massed choir, singing at the Brighton Centre alongside young musicians from Brighton & Hove Music & Arts.
The choir sang an eclectic mix of songs including original composition ‘No Room at the Inn’ created by students from Cedar Centre and Downs View School with composer James Redwood; traditional carols ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ and ‘Gabriel’s Message’; and ended the performance with a rousing performance of ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’, made famous by Shakin’ Stevens.
Brighton Youth Orchestra and Orchestra 360 performed a beautiful arrangement of Silent Night and African lullaby ‘Toola Mama’ which also featured a young rapper and the Brighton & Hove Big Band played festive tunes ‘Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!’ and ‘Jingle Bell Boogie’ and also provided lively accompaniment for the choir.
The choir sang very well and used Makaton songs throughout the performance. There was a great atmosphere in the auditorium and it was fantastic to see and hear the audience singing and signing along with the choir!
If you were at the Schools Christmas Concert we would love to hear about your experience. Please do email any comments to bhma@brightondome.org