Festiva concert like no other
FESTIVA CHOIR’S Christmas concert was like no concert before, despite nearly being cancelled due to Covid, said chairman Roy Sarre.
Even with a slightly smaller audience and a few social distancing adjustments, the show at St James raised more than £1,000 for two charities, Tumaini and Wayaya.
‘For a few hours no one worried about Covid and everyone had an amazing time,’ he said.
‘It was absolutely exceptional and so uniquely different to any concert before.’
Twp guest musicians, singer Jemimah Paine and pianist Fabio D’Andrea, were highlights of the evening.
‘Jemimah sang one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, a hauntingly present Mary Do You Know, and Fabio performed two solos reflecting stories from his childhood in the music,’ said Mr Sarre.
The children’s choir, Les Encores, performed a group of songs which captivated and caught the imagination of the audience. The seven children are aged six to 12 and Mr Sarre said it was always wonderful having children involved in the performances.
The Festiva Choir began in July 1985, the same time as St James opened as a concert hall. For the past 35 years, Festiva has been performing at the venue each Christmas, demonstrating the joy and unity that singing together can bring to the community during difficult times.
