Supporters and patients alike gathered at London’s St Giles-in-the-Fields church - known as ‘The Poets’ Church’ – last Tuesday evening for a vibrant and inspiring Christmas carol concert held by Sarcoma UK, the bone and soft tissue cancer charity. Hosted by actor Mark Osmond, the evening included music and song from Liam Tamne, Melissa Jacques, Classical Reflection, oncologist Dr Bambang Atmaja, Enchorus and the West End Gospel Choir, as well as readings from thespians Sandra Dickinson and Jonny Weldon.
At its heart was Brass Coalition, a band assembled and conducted by Matthew Ruel involving no fewer than nine current and four former Friary players including Matthew himself. As well as accompanying the carols, the band also performed Rieks van der Velde’s arrangement of David Foster and Carol Bayer Sager’s The Prayer, featuring brothers Richard and Chris Straker on cornet and euphonium, and Cool Yule, Martyn Thomas’ arrangement of Good King Wenceslas.
Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Kerry Reeves-Kneip commented: “I had to write to express our deepest thanks for your incredible performance at the carol concert. Without a doubt, this was our best concert yet, and your music played such a huge part in making it so special. There’s something magical about a brass band at Christmas, and you brought an extra sparkle of festive joy that made the whole evening extraordinary. Your rendition of Good King Wenceslas was absolutely magnificent – I found myself wishing it would never end,” she concluded.
Matthew added: “I am incredibly grateful to Friary Band for their unwavering support and friendship, particularly those members whose talent helped make it possible to form Brass Coalition and support Sarcoma UK, bringing hope and joy to those affected by sarcoma this Christmas – thank you.”
Brass Coalition also included players from Alder Valley Brass, Ascot Brass, Cobham Band, Epsom & Ewell Silver Band, Kidlington Concert Brass, Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band, Wantage Silver Band and Wotton Silver Band.
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