Frank Renton has been involved with the high profile celebrity led ‘Christmas with the Stars’, a fund-raising concert for blood cancer research held in association with the TV Times, for 32 years; and this year he spiced the musical content up with the introduction of his very own Brass Machine ensemble.

Orchestral brass line-up

The expanded symphonic brass ensemble consisted of six trumpets plus flugel (with doublings on piccolo trumpet and flugel as required), five French horns, four trombones, three lower brass and percussion. All that was missing was a partridge in a pear tree, although for this occasion the group was augmented by harp, piano and double bass, with all the excellent arrangements coming from the pen of James Lawrence.

They were largely in a supporting role, joining the organist to play for the audience participation carols, including several of the David Willcocks fanfares, and backing most of the solo and choir items. The harp and piano contributions were particularly effective with the double bass or bass guitar used as appropriate to colour.

Audience participation

The Royal Albert Hall was almost full to capacity, and the singing was particularly enthusiastic, even if not everyone had access to the words which were printed in the programme. Frank Renton was in his element in connecting with the audience and the television personalities - including a neat topical turn from Debra Stephenson and Jon Culshaw as Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump.

'Alleluya! A new work is come at hand' was a brisk new carol written by the recently installed Lord Mayor of London, Dr Andrew Parmley. The Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir received a particularly warm reception, and The Disney Choir brought a medley from 'The Jungle Book'. Solo contributions came from Danny John-Jules (Red Dwarf), Daniel Casey (Midsomer Murders), Lizzie Jones and Joanne Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing), whilst Dr Ranj Singh was backed by the Adam Street Singers in Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah'.

Star performers

The undoubted stars however were Collabro, singing 'Stars' from 'Les Miserables' and 'White Christmas'. The latter was in effect the finale, as the other stars returned to the stage, complete with 'snow' falling down from the ‘gods’. 

There was, however, an additional item: With the original ‘Calendar Girls’ sitting in the Royal Box, and their efforts having inspired a film and now a stage show, composer Tim Firth was joined by vocalist Joanne Ridings to present the poignant song 'Scarborough'.

A promising debut

The only solo contribution from Brass Machine came with 'A Christmas Entracte' - a brief but well-crafted medley including references to 'Joy to the World', 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' (with piccolo trumpet and tuba duet), 'White Christmas' (featuring the horns in close harmony and a solo from Jonathan Pippen), 'Hark the Herald' and 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'. 

However, with top class payers able to switch so slickly between various styles (as well the percussionist playing glockenspiel and tubular bells simultaneously) Brass Machine is certainly an ensemble to keep your eyes and ears out for in the future - starting at the Butlins Mineworkers Championships early next year.

Peter Bale