Rousing Music For You concerts

12:39pm Monday 6th October 2008

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THE annual Music For You concerts at Kidderminster Town Hall have raised over £3,000 for charity, despite a downturn in ticket sales.

The events took place last Friday and Saturday, with a host of musical talent featuring a choir, a brass band and two orchestras.

Money raised from the concerts will go to Kemp Hospice, Cancer Research, Kidderminster Hospital’s League of Friends and the North Worcestershire Bereavement Support Group.

Tony Sabey, one of the organisers, said: “A week ago, the committee were concerned that the downturn in ticket sales, probably as a result of the credit crunch, would lead to a sparse and unenthusiastic audience. In the event, their fears were quite unjustified.

“Ticket sales were undoubtedly lower and, sadly, this means less money is available for the charities but there were respectable audiences both nights and their enthusiasm was as great as it always is.”

Stourport Brass Band, led by new musical director Mike West, began proceedings with a rousing performance including Bill Conti’s Masters of the Universe.

They were followed by Kidderminster favourites The Valentines, who are celebrating their 20th year together. The all-female choir sang the Fats Waller classic, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and a selection of songs accompanied by Morfudd Sinclair.

After the interval, the West Midland Light Orchestra took to the stage and, guided by musical director David Etheridge, pleased the crowd with pieces by composers such as George Shearing and Cole Porter.

A highlight of their performance was a rendition of New York, New York, sung by soloist Gary Holloway.

The evening was brought to a close by Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Martin Leigh, the orchestra was joined by married musical duo, Jonathan Darby and Claire Worboys, for a Last Night of the Proms finale.

Backed by The Valentines and Tim Morris on the Town Hall organ, the pair brought the audience to their feet with renditions of Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory.

Mr Sabey said: “The success of the concerts was evident in the smiles on the faces of the audiences at the end, with many of them promising to return in 2009.”

• CLICK HERE FOR OUR PICTURE GALLERY FROM THE CONCERTS.