White Christmas, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - review
We might not be set for a white Christmas, but it’s certainly looking merry and bright after a joyous evening at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.
Smiles beaming from ear to ear stretched across the faces of the packed-out auditorium as the London Concert Orchestra joined forces with choir Canzonetta on Saturday.
Guest singers Matt Ford and Emma Kershaw also made a special stop at their ‘favourite’ venue for the tremendously cheerful sing-song extravaganza, effortlessly belting out classic Christmas tunes.
Those uncontrollable grins popped up, along with that obvious warm and fuzzy feeling, as soon as the talented troupe of musicians played just the first few notes of Sleigh Ride.
A hint of Christmas nostalgia soon swept across the venue as a string of all-time favourites were brought to life, including probably the most energetic and upbeat version of Jingle Bells anyone has ever heard.
Conductor Anthony Gabriele optimistically brought the concert hall together as popular carols – including Good King Wenceslas and The First Nowell – bounced off the walls after guests were helpfully handed the lyrics.
A quick dip in the wardrobe before the second half saw Kershaw don a dazzling floor-length frock and Ford pull out the dapper suit and bow tie, turning those Christmas party vibes up a notch.
Their interaction with the crowd was spot-on throughout the show – even those occasional cheesy Christmas cracker jokes.
But the most ingenious moment of the evening, by far, was when the crowd was split, with each section tasked with performing a part of 12 Days of Christmas. If you weren’t laughing before this game of musical chairs, there’s no doubt you were by the end.
There was something so magical about an entire auditorium of strangers singing festive songs and carols together. Quite simply, it was a lot of fun during the most wonderful time of the year.
