A near capacity Usher Hall audience (stalls and grand circle) enjoyed enthusiastic performances of songs sung by primary and secondary pupils from 13 schools across Edinburgh, Lothians, Borders and Fife. This evening's concert, organised by Barnardo's Scotland, helped raise necessary funds to support the provision of a variety of vital services to meet the required needs of thousands of vulnerable children in Scotland and around the UK.
From the outset the evening flowed seamlessly from choir to choir; performance to performance, aided by child-engaging conversation from the compère for the evening, Dougie Robertson – however, it was a little distracting at times to see one choir manoeuvre themselves towards stage doors whilst another performed. This little niggle aside, each choir gave a unique interpretation of their chosen repertoire which they sung to a backing track or piano accompaniment. Songs performed included well known classics, contemporary pop, and religious songs.
Variety and unique interpretations, coupled with the innocence of endearing vocals, underpinned each choir's performance. These included: the use of percussive instruments by Fox Covert Primary School in, What a Wonderful World; a duo guitar accompaniment by St. Mary's RC Primary School throughout their programme; a violin and rhythmic accompaniment by pupils of Inveralmond Community High School; exciting choreography performed by the pupils of Bankton Primary School to accompany, Halo/Walking on Sunshine; a most entertaining rendition of the classic, How Much Is That Doggy In The Window, sung by Fettes College Prep School; songs sung in Spanish, a cappella by the choir of Cramond Primary School.
The evening closed with an enthusiastic, massed choir rendition of One Voice, conducted by Helen MacLeod.
Time: Thursday 7th March, 2013 at 6.30 pm.