On an evening that featured the youth of the corps, Regent Hall Band included a tribute to two bandsmen who had recently passed away. Images of Eric Rapp and Colin Ambrose projected as they played 'Break of Day', and members of the London Central Youth Chorus spread around the hall with lighted candles.  

The subsequent exuberant singing of 'Days of Elijah' showed them to be in good voice.

Thrilling account

The evening was led by Bethany Gibson, who introduced Isobel Daws to present a thrilling account of the trombone solo 'Brasilia'.  Regent Hall Songsters were particularly effective in their two songs, 'Bow the Knee' and Kevin Larsson's updated version of 'Boundless'.

Alex Gibson also gave a convincing account of Elgar Howarth's 'Canto'; although it may not have been the best choice of repertoire for such an evening.  Elliot Launn, who was kept busy moving between tuba and piano, thrilled the audience with 'Celestial Morn' -  pacy but with so much musicality.

Effective

'Four Hymn' appearing for the first time, was an effective male voice quartet - opening with 'Alpha and Omega'.  With a combination of unison and harmony singing, and eschewing any excessive theatricality, this and their later contributions, 'Amazing Grace' and 'The Lord's Prayer', were well received.

Two young in-house composers were also featured, with Alan Williams and Nathaniel Watchorn conducting their own impressive compositions, 'Our Generation' and 'And Can it Be?'  Old hand Paul Sharman was also represented, with a choreographed performance of 'On Duty'.

Fine effort

The youth chorus sang 'Worthy'; female and male verses taking alternate verses, with a fine effort from the seven men who were outnumbered by their female companions.  Their final contribution, 'Thou O Lord' grew in intensity as the music evolved.  Their backing musicians were excellent throughout, providing support without being too prominent.

Vocalist Rachel Gray was accompanied in 'We are the Reason'; the balance improving as the engineers adjusted the microphone levels.  It says a lot for Stephen Hanover's work with the band that the words 'subtle' and 'delicate' could be applied to the playing.  

Admirably

The band's major item was Stephen Ponsford's 'The Day of the Lord', with words from the Book of Revelation.  The band coped admirably with its demands; with a nice balance and the trombones particularly impressive.  

Following a Benediction from Regent Hall's Commanding Officer, Major Graham Mizon, the evening closed with a bold 'Toccata in D Minor'.

Peter Bale