The International Staff Band got the concert off to a rousing start with ‘Boundless Spirit’; a reworking of music written for the recent international congress incorporating many styles and genres, including ethnic elements.

The ISS continued in like manner with the lively ‘Wonders Begin When the Lord Comes In’, with prominent support from Andrew Shires on percussion, before the dulcet tones of Abigail Johnson brought an oasis of calm singing ‘With All I Am’.

Wind ensemble feature 

Following a prayer from Commissioner Marianne Adams, Commissioner Clive Adams introduced the Salvation Army Symphonic Wind Ensemble, making special mention of 92-year-old Maisie Wiggins, MBE - a stalwart of the ensemble’s trombone section.  

They presented ‘Cause for Celebration’, written by William Himes for an American High School Anniversary, and concluding with ‘Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow’.

It was good to hear the pure sounds of the girls’ chorus, initially in ‘Praise the Lord’, based on Psalm 148 and incorporating choric speaking, and then in the more contemplative ‘It is you’.

Gifted player and composer

Marcus Venables has recently been appointed to the Canadian Staff Band and is also making quite a name for himself as a composer.  He featured one of his own pieces, ‘Beyond all Measure’, inspired by the song ‘How Deep The Father’s Love For Us’ and giving him ample opportunity to display his prowess in the upper register, as well as his smooth tone and stunning technique.

Thoughts of Easter 

‘Via Dolorosa’, from the ISS, reflected on Christ’s journey to Calvary, with the bass line slowly descending to the bottom of the stave at the end.  Steven Ponsford’s ‘Music of a Legacy’ cleverly pulls together quotations from Salvation Army classics in tribute to those who’ve gone before.  More quotes are revealed with each hearing, and it provides a good workout for all the sections of the band.

SASWE closed the first half with ‘The Love and Power of Christ’, by the group’s former tuba player Michael Babb, featuring the tune ‘In Christ Alone’.

Vocal tour de force

Richard Phillips’ four-movement ‘Symphony of Psalms’ was full of contrasts, as the psalmist reflected on Courage, Hope, Trust and Triumph, with a lively Jewish dance building towards the final climax.

SASWE’s final item, ‘Glory! Honour!’ brings together three songs by Yvonne Field in a paean of praise.  With a nod to ‘Zadok the Priest’, it had audience toes tapping and hands clapping along towards the end.

Joyous enthusiasm 

Marcus returned for a sparkling rendition of ‘When I Remember’, complete with top G finish, before the chorus continued with ‘Blessing’ and a choreographed version of ‘I Sing Because I’m Happy’, full of verve and enthusiasm.

The ISB then showed their swing credentials with ‘Shine’, including a humorous moment as four back-row cornet players came forward, only to burst into song with ‘This Little Light of Mine’.  This preceded Commissioner Adams’ thoughts on ‘Who am I?', alluding to Muhammad Ali, Dietrich Bonhoffer and Jesus Christ.

Singing a new song

For the finale, Martin Cordner’s ‘Songs of the Ages’ incorporated melodies from the Salvation Army’s new song book.  

Ranging from the 4th century ‘Of the Father’s Love Forgotten’ up to contemporary tunes, the scoring allowed each of the various groups their moment in the spotlight, including Richard Phillips at the piano and an extended unaccompanied passage for the two choral groups.  

With congregation participation it made for a positive conclusion to a nicely varied programme.

Peter Bale