RAF BAND'S SHOWCASE
‘BEST OF BRITISH'
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
1st December 2016
‘BEST OF BRITISH'
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
1st December 2016
With the theme ‘The Best of British’ seemingly rather apt just now in the light of Brexit, it also serves to remind us of those areas of British life which make us proud as a nation. The RAF in Concert Band filled the Cliffs Pavilion stage leaving barely a gap and provided the Southend audience with over two hours of wonderfully uplifting orchestrations throughout the evening.
The Royal Air Force musicians perform all over the UK and overseas, providing music for State and Service events and regularly perform on BBC Radio 2’s 'Friday Night is Music Night'.
The concert gave us a chance to embrace not only the cultural aspect of our musical heritage but also gave us the opportunity to remember the triumphs of our sportsmen and women as well as the success of our stars of stage and screen and pop music. From the classical, O Fortuna to Herb Alpert and The Beatles; medleys of British comedies and musicals; to tributes towards our Royalty and the Air Force itself with a newly commissioned composition by Andrew Pearce, celebrating the launch of its recent acquisition of the F-35 Lightning II.
Waving the baton, as well as spoiling us with his silky-smooth vocals, Squadron Leader Matt Little led the orchestra with fabulous enthusiasm and clearly enjoys being centre stage. If you’re thinking that this will be an evening of military stuffiness, think again - the Squadron Leader puts paid to that with his charming good looks and cheeky moves while he’s conducting, making him an instant hit with the ladies.
Guest, Sarah Francis, provides some lovely vocals, especially in the powerful, As Long As He Needs Me number.
There are some wonderful orchestrations throughout the evening and I particularly enjoyed the tribute to British Cinema featuring the works of some of my favourite composers including Vangelis and Ennio Morricone: this piece beautifully arranged by WO Ian Laidler.
Kit Turnbull’s arrangement of 1534 - A King’s Supremacy was hauntingly perfect and there was lots of fun to be had during the Herb Alpert Tribute with the evening’s compere, BBC Radio 2’s travel reporter, Lynn Bowles, getting involved with some well timed horn honking!
A special mention must go to SAC Louise Gawn whose oboe solo in Libertango is outstanding and also to SAC Owen Wallage who really gives it his all on the tuba in the F-35 Lightening composition.
The RAF Concert Band boasts some hugely talented musicians and succeed in providing an evening of entertainment that will leave you feeling enveloped in warm nostalgia. Ending with some audience participating Christmas carols (it’s allowed now it’s December) was a perfect way to leave us on a high with the ring of our door-keys as sleigh-bells (don't ask) sending us on our way home.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the RAF Concert Band - they really are the Best of British!
The Royal Air Force musicians perform all over the UK and overseas, providing music for State and Service events and regularly perform on BBC Radio 2’s 'Friday Night is Music Night'.
The concert gave us a chance to embrace not only the cultural aspect of our musical heritage but also gave us the opportunity to remember the triumphs of our sportsmen and women as well as the success of our stars of stage and screen and pop music. From the classical, O Fortuna to Herb Alpert and The Beatles; medleys of British comedies and musicals; to tributes towards our Royalty and the Air Force itself with a newly commissioned composition by Andrew Pearce, celebrating the launch of its recent acquisition of the F-35 Lightning II.
Waving the baton, as well as spoiling us with his silky-smooth vocals, Squadron Leader Matt Little led the orchestra with fabulous enthusiasm and clearly enjoys being centre stage. If you’re thinking that this will be an evening of military stuffiness, think again - the Squadron Leader puts paid to that with his charming good looks and cheeky moves while he’s conducting, making him an instant hit with the ladies.
Guest, Sarah Francis, provides some lovely vocals, especially in the powerful, As Long As He Needs Me number.
There are some wonderful orchestrations throughout the evening and I particularly enjoyed the tribute to British Cinema featuring the works of some of my favourite composers including Vangelis and Ennio Morricone: this piece beautifully arranged by WO Ian Laidler.
Kit Turnbull’s arrangement of 1534 - A King’s Supremacy was hauntingly perfect and there was lots of fun to be had during the Herb Alpert Tribute with the evening’s compere, BBC Radio 2’s travel reporter, Lynn Bowles, getting involved with some well timed horn honking!
A special mention must go to SAC Louise Gawn whose oboe solo in Libertango is outstanding and also to SAC Owen Wallage who really gives it his all on the tuba in the F-35 Lightening composition.
The RAF Concert Band boasts some hugely talented musicians and succeed in providing an evening of entertainment that will leave you feeling enveloped in warm nostalgia. Ending with some audience participating Christmas carols (it’s allowed now it’s December) was a perfect way to leave us on a high with the ring of our door-keys as sleigh-bells (don't ask) sending us on our way home.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the RAF Concert Band - they really are the Best of British!
Tickets for future concerts, which are staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, are priced from £19 - £25. For details and further information, visit rafinconcert.com
Ask the Audience