A hugely uplifting and memorable Community Choral Concert

The Community Choral Concert held in the King’s Bruton Memorial Hall was a hugely uplifting and memorable event, bringing together a diverse range of performers in a powerful celebration of music. The focus of the concert was a performance of Freedom! The Power of Song by Alexander L'Estrange and Joanna Forbes L'Estrange, a piece that features a range of musical styles, blending gospel, jazz, and classical influences to convey themes of freedom, hope, and solidarity. With its vibrant rhythms, energetic melodies, and powerful lyrics, Freedom! encourages singers and audiences alike to embrace the transformative power of song. The work is designed to be both a joyful and reflective experience, showcasing the beauty of collective singing and the universal message of unity and resilience.

The performance featured the combined SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) voices of the School Choir of King’s Bruton combined with Bruton Choral Society, and an impressive children’s choir made up of pupils from Bruton Primary School, St Mary’s Children’s Choir, as well as pupils from Hazlegrove and Port Regis Preparatory Schools. The result was a truly remarkable blend of voices, both adult and youthful, coming together in harmony to create a sound that filled the Memorial Hall with energy and emotion.

Flickr album: Freedom! The Power of Song Community Concert - 16th March 2025 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

A wonderful addition to the performance was the accompaniment provided by Alexander L'Estrange’s own professional band, The Call Me Al Quintet. Their contribution to the evening was nothing short of incredible, adding a lively, jazzy flair to the concert. The quintet opened the concert with two outstanding pieces that set the tone for the rest of the concert. Their performance was both captivating and masterful, with each musician bringing their own unique style to the stage.

The performance of Freedom! The Power of Song was superb; the choir delivered the powerful lyrics with passion and precision, capturing the essence of the piece's themes of unity and hope. The piece, with its lively rhythms and poignant moments, was perfectly suited to the diverse voices of the combined choirs. The children's choir, in particular, added a bright, enthusiastic touch to the performance, their clear and confident voices a joy to hear.

It was clear that a lot of preparation had gone into this concert. The sense of community was palpable. From the youngest members of the children’s choir to the more experienced members of the adult choirs, there was a wonderful sense of collaboration and shared purpose and commitment. The music seemed to bring the entire audience together, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere throughout the performance.

The Memorial Hall was packed, with standing room only, and this added to the sense of occasion, making the event feel like a true celebration of music. The audience visibly moved by the performance, clapping and swaying to the rhythms of the music.

The Community Concert was a resounding success. The combined efforts of the School Choir of King’s Bruton, Bruton Choral Society, and the children’s choirs from local schools made for a memorable and moving occasion. The addition of The Call Me Al Quintet was a highlight, and their incredible performance added a special touch to an already memorable performance. It was an event that celebrated the joy of singing, the power of music, and the strength of community spirit.

Ashley Marshfield - Director of Music

#KSBMusic #KSBConcert #KSBCommunity #KSBQuality #KSBSuccess #OurKingsBruton