The Manx Youth Orchestra’s traditional Christmas Festival Concert is one of happiest musical celebrations in the Island’s calendar.
Featuring more than 200 young performers from all over the Island, this year’s programme will include lots of variety to celebrate the season, including an international flavour with an arrangement of Jose Feliciano’s ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ‘African Noel’, based on a Liberian melody.
Add to the mixture more traditional orchestral classics such as ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ by Mozart, a new arrangement of ‘Party Rock Anthem’ plus festive favourites and it promises to be a sparkling occasion.
The concert, a high point in the cultural calendar, takes place at the Villa Marina on Saturday 14 December at 7.30pm.
The evening will feature all nine groups that meet on Saturday mornings as part of the DEC Music Service activities.
Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service, who is one of 10 conductors for the evening, said: ‘Our Saturday morning activities are expanding all the time and I know all the conductors are very proud of the achievements of the young people, who contribute with so much enthusiasm and commitment.
‘Being able to showcase the work of all our groups in the beautiful Royal Hall is a great incentive for our players and this event is the highlight of the youth orchestra’s calendar. Our programme is once again varied in styles and will include some Island premieres as well as film themes, a swing band and more traditional festive music.’
Tickets are £9.69, £8.67 and £7.65 (including 2% booking fee) and are available from the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre ticket hotline on 01624 600555 and the Manx Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal. Tickets can also be booked online at www.villagaiety.com
The concert, which is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Manx Youth Orchestra, has raised thousands of pounds for local charities over the years. This year the beneficiaries will be Rebecca House Children’s Hospice and the Friends themselves, Maggie explained.
The Friends are a team of parents of MYO members past and present plus ex members and supporters. They work throughout the year to raise funds, which are used to underwrite concerts, help fund tours and help purchase instruments. The charities it supports are generally those that assist young people locally.
