The Trianon Music GroupAT THE MOVIESSaturday January 5 2008Ipswich Corn ExchangeAS a remedy to post Christmas blues this was the tonic to lift the jaded spirit.

The Trianon Music Group

AT THE MOVIES

Saturday January 5 2008

Ipswich Corn Exchange

AS a remedy to post Christmas blues this was the tonic to lift the jaded spirit.

The darkest day has passed and even in the depth of winter we can see brighter days ahead.

The atmosphere was warm and the performers looked bright and cheerful in their colourful attire.

This programme of popular film music consisted of a variety or themes with an overture for Hollywood: A Celebration of the Early Silent Film.

Next, Out of Africa contained a range of moods from the haunting African Sanctus to the dramatic Zulu Suite by John Barry.

Within this suite the men in the choir sang an uplifting accapella, The Men of Harlech. It was a fine illustration of soldiers in unity as they prepare for battle at Rorke's Drift.

Then on to the classics with the lovely opening of Symphony No. 1 by Elgar, somewhat incongruous as the theme for Wallace & Grommit and the Were-Rabbit!

The Curse of the Black Pearl represented the high seas. The sense of the salty air and the sea in its many moods was palpable in this representation and there was that sense that pirates were around!

Could any compendium of film music be complete without the inclusion of James Bond music? A medley of favourites was played in suitably impressive style.

This was a programme to compliment and contrast with Curtain Up featuring Funny Girl, which was light and chirpy, then the more dramatic Indiana Jones.

The Grand Finale, a selection from The Sound of Music, was uplifting and joyous.

Here was the chance for the female members of the choir to sing accapella, which they expressed with finesse and sensitivity.

This Annual Concert, which heralds in the New Year, has become a popular feature in the Suffolk music calendar as proven by the capacity audience.

It was pleasing to see Professor Christopher Green back on the podium after his recent illness. He shared baton duties with the ever-vibrant Stephen Rumsey.

Choir and Orchestra, led by Steve Browne were splendid!

Ferial Evans