Venue: Central Hall Westminster, London
Cast: The Fulltone Orchestra, Camilla Kerslake and Emmet Cahill
Joined by world-renowned guests Emmet Cahill (making his UK debut) and Classical Brit nominee Camilla Kerslake, this spectacular concert promises a heart warming program of Christmas classics and symphonic masterpieces. From The Polar Express to Love Actually, O Holy Night to Danny Boy, and even a magical medley from The Sound of Music, the evening will deliver timeless music for all generations. Adding to the magic, the Cantiamo Choir will lend their powerful voices to beloved favourites like Carol of the Bells, and the iconic voice of Stephen Fry will narrate, weaving a recorded charm into the festive melodies.
There are an abundance of Christmas concerts available across the country in December, but the Fulltone Orchestra is the pick of the season!
They are a 50-piece orchestra accompanied by the Cantiamo Choir and led by Anthony Brown. They bring the music of Christmas to life along with outstanding vocals from Emmet Cahill and Camilla Kerslake. This was my first time seeing the orchestra in person and I was not disappointed. They create a beautiful sound that fills the hall and enraptures the audience throughout the entire evening.
The concert was hosted in Westminster Central Hall, a grand venue for a perfectly grand event. They opened with a beautiful arrangement of ‘Polar Express’ which instantly puts the audience into the festive spirit. We move into a selection of Disney songs sung beautifully by Emmet Cahill who has a voice to die for. It’s warm and powerful and you can see why he is ‘Ireland’s Most Exciting Young Tenor’. Camilla Kerslake then takes to the stage for an incredible rendition of 'O Mio Babbino Caro' which is just breath-taking to experience. There are several musical theatre songs interspersed within the programme, including Think of Me and Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera which add some dramatic flair to the evening.
The best moments are those where the orchestra truly take the spotlight and show us the power of live music. In particular ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Somewhere in My Memory’ stand out as truly stunning pieces of orchestration. The second half includes a lot more festive treats, including an acapella ‘Carol of the Bells’ performed by the Cantiamo Choir which is magnificent. The evening ends with a sing-along to 'White Christmas' sending us off into the night feeling full of festive joy.
The Fulltone Orchestra know how to put on a beautiful concert, and this one felt very special. From start to finish we were enveloped in beautiful music, incredible voices and Christmas cheer.
You can find out more about this event, here.
Review by Rosie
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