It is no wonder G4’s Christmas concert in Ely Cathedral last Tuesday was a sell out.
This unique group captured that quintessential quality that appeals to our inner-most senses.
The difference between amateur and professional singers was never more obvious than when these great singers first opened their mouths.
Serious training, well-placed and controlled voice production, the ability to express deep emotions in a single sound were in evidence with this group. Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie, Nick Ashby and Lewis Raines knew their stuff.
They were joined from time to time by a huge young choir from the Cambridge Pauline Quirk Academy adding a touch of what Christmas is all about – the joy and spontaneity of children.
Harry Smith, in particular, gave a heart-stopping solo in ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.
Highly proficient accompaniments throughout the evenings were provided by the fantastic harpist, Zita Silva, and the phenomenal pianist and organist: Jonathan Hodgson.
The programme was well selected and there was something for everyone, even a chance for the audience to join in.
Along with popular Christmas Carols and songs were a number of other delightful items including ‘Panis Angelicus’ by Cesar Franck, ‘Ave Maria’ and ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ (Vicar of Dibley-style).
Highlights for me were ‘We’re Walking in the Air’, ‘Good King Wenceslas Last Looked Out’, ‘To Where you Are’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘All I want for Christmas is You’ and ‘Nessun Dorma’.
The event supported the charity ‘Missing People’ - so pertinent at this time of year.
G4 will be coming to Ely Cathedral again next year on November 21.
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