Review: Soul-stirring finale to superb concert

For not only did the band win wide approval for their mind-blowing musical talents at this, their seventh Christmas concert in the town but they also encouraged their musical guests and an enthusiastic audience to add to the wide range of musical enjoyment.

Band conductor Morgan Griffiths, of Gomersal, highlighted the two national trophies on display which the highly acclaimed band has won over the past year and then went on to demonstrate the musicians’ abilities with such items as A Christmas Overture, a stupendous arrangement of music from My Fair Lady and the soul-stirring finale with Variations from Laudate Dominum.

He also introduced the band’s special guests, the 30 or so members of Batley Parish School Singing Group, who left the audience aghast with their talented performances.

Conducted by teacher Kate Delaney and accompanied by Jean Delaney the youngsters demonstrated great enthusiasm, lots of self belief and plenty of singing talent as they tackled such items as Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, Best Day of My Life and When Christmas Comes to Town.

All of this inspired the delighted audience to enthusiastically join in the two sessions of carol singing which created a bubbling and delightful Christmas spirit.

The concert proved to be another seasonal triumph for Batley and one which triggered many people to express the hope that it would be repeated next year.

There was no doubt that the members of the Hammond Saltaire Band are firm favourites in the town.