ALTON Concert Band and Ancora Female Voice Choir came together on the second Saturday in November for an entertaining evening of wide-ranging musical numbers, both popular and classical, but with the emphasis on the ever-popular musicals.

The concert took place in Alton Convent School’s Performing Arts Centre. From the funds raised, the organisers were able to make a substantial donation to St Michael’s Hospice ion Basingstoke.

Alton Concert Band, under the baton of their musical director, Ian Morrish, opened the evening with that stirring march Army of the Nile before Breezin’ Down Broadway with Goff Richard’s medley from the American musicals.

Ancora then took to the floor with John Rutter’s arrangement of It was a Lover and his Lass, John Denver’s hauntingly beautiful Annie’s Song, and Delibes’ The Maidens of Cadiz. Lil Carr is the musical director of this local choir which was formed 10 years ago.

Both separately and together the brass band and the choir gave a performance that underlined just what talent this area has to offer both vocally and instrumentally.

Two highlights of the evening were the gently entitled The Flagship Returns, and then during the second half a solo from Ancora’s Jane Grey, who sang that that tear-jerker of a number On My Own from the musical Les Miserables.

Alton Concert Band, which is always keen to welcome new members, will again perform on December 4 for Alton’s Yuletide Festival.

For more details about the band, visit altonconcertband.co.uk or [email protected].

Sue Cansfield