A BASINGSTOKE choir is celebrating after putting on a fantastic performance which included a world-premier piece, in front of a packed crowd in Basingstoke

Hampshire Harmony performed at Aldworth School on June 10, alongside Wantage Silver Band. The audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were complimentary both during and after the concert.

One of the highlights of the night was the world premiere piece, Do Not Go Gently, by Gareth Trott. This was given a huge ovation from the crowd, with Gareth explaining that it was based on Dylan Thomas' poem Do Not Go Gently (into the Night).

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The piece was beautifully played on the trombone by Jonathan Pippen, with mellow tones from him and the supporting band. Gav Clemens also performed a wonderful rendition of Medelssohn's Capriccio Brillante on the Eb Bass.

Hampshire Harmony offered a wide selection of music from an opener of Cantar! sung in Spanish, to Viva La Vida and much more in between. The first half finished with a joint rendition of a menacing Skyfall, with the concert ending with two favourites Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory in which the audience joined with great gusto and roars of Encore.

Musical Director, Clare Oliver, said: "We had around three months to get ready for the show and prepare 12 songs, and I'm so proud to say we absolutely smashed it. The concert went great and we had lots of happy, engaged faces in the crowd, and lots of kind words after which was lovely to hear. We can hold our heads high knowing we gave it our all with an incredible range of beautiful singing, and the band was amazing. 

Basingstoke Gazette: The performance also consisted of a world premier piece The performance also consisted of a world premier piece (Image: Hampshire Harmony, Canva)

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"We are so happy we had the opportunity to showcase our talents and we are looking forward to our next event."

Hampshire Harmony Chair, Beck Graham, said: "What a great show it was. There was such a great vibe and lots of energy despite the heat. A massive thank you must go to Clare for getting us 'concert ready' in just over three months."

Clare added: "We're always on the lookout for new members too, so come along and see what we're all about."

More information can be found at hampshireharmony.org/