The Datebook datebook_winter_spring2019_digital_ARTWORK | Page 10

The Children’s Trust Christmas Concert Delighted to have you step up to the raffle table. S uch a wonderful festive evening on Monday 10th December at Cadogan Hall in Sloane Terrace, London, for The Children’s Trust Christmas Concert with celebrity host TV & radio broadcaster, Nicholas Owen, and performers Alistair McGowan and Jenni Falconer. The Hall looked delightful with a huge Christmas tree above the stage. Conductor Crispin Ward took his place and the University of Chichester Chamber Orchestra performed Sergei Prokofievs Troika to set the mood for the evening followed by many festive pieces, readings and Carols. 8 THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK Musical Director and opera singer, Ana-Marie Rincon performed alongside the Amici Ensemble and the Putney High School Choir. The hugely versatile Alistair McGowan gave us impressions and jokes then surprisingly played piano performing Liszt’s Consolation No3 then Silent Night. He has recently become a pianist and achieved Grade 5 in four years releasing The Piano Album and completing a short tour ‘Introductions to Classical Piano’. He is a very talented man indeed. Piers Adams, one of the world’s leading recorder players and Above and Below: The University of Chichester Chamber Orchestra. known as the reigning recorder virtuoso, entertained us with popular classical pieces and no wonder he has been hailed in the world international press as ‘superhuman’. The audience were thrilled and breathless. An Appeal in the second half by Miles Barton, father of Alex who was supported by The Children’s Trust after he suffered a brain tumour, shared his story and made everyone realise serious illness or accidents can happen to all of us changing lives forever and how The Children’s Trust’s work is invaluable. The Christmas Concert raises funds to enable The Trust to provide care to children with brain injury. Alex today is a healthy young man who has just become engaged. A gala drinks reception followed the concert and tickets could be upgraded on the night. A very inspiring evening! LYNNE WARNER