Billericay Operatic Society promised a celebration of hit musicals across the years at their Musical Moments concert at The Fold on Saturday 20th September, and a celebration of hit musicals was definitely delivered, with gusto.
The range of musicals covered was impressive and had songs chosen from a variety of popular musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Fiddler on the Roof but also some less well known shows like The Scarlet Pimpernel and State Fair.
The concert opened with the upbeat number It’s a Grand Night For Singing from State Fair, filling the venue with the life and energy which carried on throughout the show. The transitions between songs were fluid and before starting on a different musical we were treated to a brief history and background of the upcoming selection. This was a thoughtful touch for those not as well acquainted with the musicals.
Act One closed with a medley of songs from Les Misérables including the classics Do You Hear The People Sing?, I Dreamed a Dream, Bring Him Home and On My Own. It was clear to see the whole company enjoyed this medley as the performance was taken to a new level of emotion and clarity, packing all the power and punch of the original story.
After a short interval, Act Two opened with the lesser known ‘Take the A Train’ picking up the pace and energy from the last act. The concert continued at a steady pace until finishing with a cover of Love Changes Everything and while this still acted as a good close to the evening, it didn’t hold up to the high energy finish of the Les Misérables medley which ended Act One.
A highlight of the ensemble numbers for me was the Pirates of Penzance section. The singers obviously knew the songs, enjoyed performing them and this enjoyment translated in to some of the best ensemble singing of the evening after the Les Misérables medley.
Eight of the group had solo numbers and duets throughout the show and all were sang with power, precision and poise.
A particular mention has to go to the lady who gave an outstanding rendition of I’d Give My Life For You from Miss Saigon. It was filled with all the emotion expected from a portrayal of Kim. From her voice to her facial expressions, the singer made sure the audience felt Kim’s devotion.
Another mention has to be given to the beautiful cover of I Knew Him So Well from Chess. Both women sang with conviction in their powerful voices, playing off each other well. This duet was undoubtedly one of the best of the evening. This, along with the powerful rendition of Anthem again from Chess, gave an exciting insight into the next show BOS are to put on.
For a small group of people, I think I counted 18, I was impressed with the standard of the concert and I do intend to book to see their production of Chess when it shows next year.
The range of musicals covered was impressive and had songs chosen from a variety of popular musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Fiddler on the Roof but also some less well known shows like The Scarlet Pimpernel and State Fair.
The concert opened with the upbeat number It’s a Grand Night For Singing from State Fair, filling the venue with the life and energy which carried on throughout the show. The transitions between songs were fluid and before starting on a different musical we were treated to a brief history and background of the upcoming selection. This was a thoughtful touch for those not as well acquainted with the musicals.
Act One closed with a medley of songs from Les Misérables including the classics Do You Hear The People Sing?, I Dreamed a Dream, Bring Him Home and On My Own. It was clear to see the whole company enjoyed this medley as the performance was taken to a new level of emotion and clarity, packing all the power and punch of the original story.
After a short interval, Act Two opened with the lesser known ‘Take the A Train’ picking up the pace and energy from the last act. The concert continued at a steady pace until finishing with a cover of Love Changes Everything and while this still acted as a good close to the evening, it didn’t hold up to the high energy finish of the Les Misérables medley which ended Act One.
A highlight of the ensemble numbers for me was the Pirates of Penzance section. The singers obviously knew the songs, enjoyed performing them and this enjoyment translated in to some of the best ensemble singing of the evening after the Les Misérables medley.
Eight of the group had solo numbers and duets throughout the show and all were sang with power, precision and poise.
A particular mention has to go to the lady who gave an outstanding rendition of I’d Give My Life For You from Miss Saigon. It was filled with all the emotion expected from a portrayal of Kim. From her voice to her facial expressions, the singer made sure the audience felt Kim’s devotion.
Another mention has to be given to the beautiful cover of I Knew Him So Well from Chess. Both women sang with conviction in their powerful voices, playing off each other well. This duet was undoubtedly one of the best of the evening. This, along with the powerful rendition of Anthem again from Chess, gave an exciting insight into the next show BOS are to put on.
For a small group of people, I think I counted 18, I was impressed with the standard of the concert and I do intend to book to see their production of Chess when it shows next year.