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It is official, the festive season is here. Friday, saw The Manama Singers take to the stage at The Diplomat for the first of their ‘Sounds of The Season’ programme and what a joyous start it was.
Anna Thompson Hall proudly announced that Deb Monsen was conducting and from that point on things just got better and better.
She had done a brilliant job of creating syncopated arrangements of the carols and songs that showed off the myriad talents of the performers to perfection.
From the sweeping opening chords of Vivaldi’s Gloria in Excelsis Deo we were caught up in a truly magical experience. Everything blended perfectly, with the smoothest of transitions from gentle cadences to the now famous ‘Manama Wall of Sound’ that the singers produce so effortlessly.
To pick out a high spot of the concert is impossible. Every time I thought, this is it … nothing can better this … the next piece would raise the level of excellence.
Vivaldi’s haunting Winter from The Four Seasons was performed flawlessly by David Hlawiczka and the String Ensemble; made all the more memorable as they had not rehearsed their performance even once! From there forward to the rousing and emphatically glorious Hallelujah Chorus we were held in the Manama Singers spell.
The second half opened with the Singers lining the hall and performing Silent Night as a four-part round. As I type this review I can still hear the notes in my head, it was that good.
This was shortly followed by Ding a Ding Dong, three traditional carols and a delightful rendition of Elgars’ The Snow.
Just when we thought things couldn’t get any better Deb introduced us to the guest soloist, Jennifer Crestol, who entranced us with The Grown-Up Christmas List.
Finally, with God Rest You Merry Gentlemen , Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Martin and Blaine and a final encore of The Hallelujah Chorus, once again, we were left wishing that the evening could replay.
Top class entertainment, and all for BD8 a ticket!
I have it on authority from my grandson that the afternoon child-orientated concert was great fun as well and topped off by the visit from ‘the real Santa Claus’, no less! So make a note in your diary, because The Manama Singers will be back!
There is still a chance to catch some of the magic. The Manama Singers will also be performing at The Tree Lighting at The Diplomat Hotel on Friday, The British Club on Saturday, The Dilmun Club on December 12,The Capital Club on December 18, The Festival of Nine Lessons at St Christopher’s Cathedral on December 22 and, lastly, Awali Church on December 23.
Don’t miss them!
– Christine Hasan
