Many thanks to Jackie Hawkins for sending through this review of the 30th Anniversary of the Isle of Wight Music Centre which took place last weekend. Ed
This weekend the Isle of Wight Music Centre celebrated its 30th anniversary with 2 splendid concerts held at the Cowes Yacht Haven.
Every Music Centre ensemble performed separately in the extravaganza accumulating in a grand finale where all the children performed together
The concert also featured the debut of Clive Malabars magnificent piece Island Flight composed especially for the anniversary and performed by the IW Youth Wind Band.
Music Centre Brass Band playing the Hallelujah Chorus and The Lady is a Tramp opened the concert with a stunning performance. Next came 2 songs It’s a Classical and Building sung beautifully by the IW Youth Choir.
Foundation Wind Band gave wonderful performances of Mack the Knife and Asia Rock and the Music Centre String Orchestra delivered delightful performances of Etude in E and I Got Rhythm.
The Junior Recorder Ensemble followed with a charming performance of The Pearly Adriatic and Habanera, to be followed by the IW Youth Orchestra and their fabulous renditions from the ‘Dances from Gloriana’.
The Keyboard Group added a more contempary sound with Loopy Loops, Hedwigs Theme and Krazy Kats, with a lively performance by the Stage Band playing Satin Doll and Bandstand Boogie to follow.
The IW Youth Wind Band gave outstanding performances of Coberger Marsch and Lustspeil Overture and then an inspiring performance of the IW Youth Recorder Ensemble with their renditions of Liberty Bell and Dance of the Tumblers, followed by the Beginner and Junior Strings with their great medley from Oliver.
The Music Centre Wind Band rounded off the ensemble performances with fantastic versions of Dancing Queen and The Lord of the Dance, accompanied by Irish Dancer Kayleigh Clark.
The concerts climaxed with all the members of Music Centre on stage together in a sensational rendition of Tchaikovskys 1812 Overture complete with pyrotechnic effects. The logistics of this was a feat in itself, from co-ordinating the 1812 rehearsals with all the groups taking part to getting 300 children on stage at the same time.
The talent that these children have never ceases to amaze and delight and all credit to them for a perfect concert.
Image: Modomatic
