From America: 5

The concert at SCCC opened with Mrs Dawn Tedesco conducting the 90 strong combined orchestras in the National Anthems of the UK and USA. Mr Andrew Barclay then took up the baton for his own Fanfare and March No2, a spirited piece which allowed the brass sections to shine. The choir then joined the Orchestra for When you Believe from The Prince of Egypt. The first half closed with Mr Gerry Tedesco conducting the Duke Ellington Medley.

The Choir rejoined the Orchestra for a rousing rendition of Sussex by the Sea. They then took centre stage (metaphorically if not in reality) for Mozart's Ave verum, and then the american folksong Shenandoah. Go in Love saw Robert Scamardella leading from the piano, then Chris Dixon took over for Rutter's The lord bless you and keep you. All were generously received by our audience.

Mr Jon Sepe then lead the orchestra into Leroy Anderson's Bugler's Holiday which brought a smile to the lips of everyone (except obviously the very hard working Brass section). Mr Tedesco then took over for a rousing rendition of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance No 4, before Mr Barclay brought the evening to a close with Salute to the Big Bands, a medley in which the writer spotted April in Paris, Dorsey's I'm getting sentimental over you, Millers Pennsylvania 6500, and Serenade in Blue amongst others.

The audience departed into the warmth of the evening expressing their thanks for a wonderful evening of international music making.