Posted: 17/12/24
Bringing together the UK’s best-selling classical artist Russell Watson, with a multi-award winning brass band, in Britain’s largest cathedral at Christmas was always destined to be a spectacular event. With the addition of renowned soprano Nancy May, impresario and pianist Mike Moran, and the Red Rosettes barbershop chorus, the stage was set for an evening of musical brilliance and festive grandeur.
Travelling up from a sold-out christmas concert in Derby Cathedral, Derwent Brass took to the magnificent setting of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on Saturday night for a highly anticipated collaboration with celebrated tenor Russell Watson, captivating an audience of over a thousand.
The evening commenced with the band, under the direction of Musical Director Emeritus Keith Leonard, setting a lively tone with William Himes’ Three King Swing, featuring an exceptional solo by principal cornetist Dave Neville. The cathedral’s vast acoustics accentuated the band’s rich tones, particularly in their poignant rendition of All is Well by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Michael Smith, arranged by Leonard. A dynamic shift in tempo followed with Prokofiev’s spirited Troika, highlighting the band's versatility and precision.
Russell Watson’s arrival on stage was met with enthusiastic applause as he opened with the timeless O Sole Mio by di Capua before delivering a sublime interpretation of Franck’s Panis Angelicus, beautifully complemented by the Red Rosettes. His vocal prowess was on full display as he delivered a heartfelt rendition of the folk classic Shenandoah, before closing the first segment with Moon River, the much-loved Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer classic from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Soprano Nancy May captivated the audience with an enchanting performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro. She later joined Watson, the band, and the choir for a poignant rendition of Silent Night, with the first verse performed in German. Watson’s charismatic stage presence shone through as he shared a lighthearted anecdote before delivering an emotive performance of Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from Les Misérables. The first half concluded in a triumphant fashion with O Come, All Ye Faithful, as Watson, the band, and the choir united in a rousing festive celebration.
The second half of the evening opened with the Red Rosettes, whose delightful renditions of Somewhere Only We Know and Into the Unknown from Frozen 2 charmed the audience. This was followed by a stirring performance of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, led by Watson, the band, and the choir. A deeply moving Ave Maria, set to the melody of Cavalleria Rusticana, set the tone for a heartfelt performance of White Christmas, featuring Watson, the band, and pianist Mike Moran.
Nancy May returned to deliver a mesmerizing performance of Walking in the Air from The Snowman, before joining Watson for a breathtaking rendition of The Prayer. The emotional climax of the evening came with a spellbinding performance of O Holy Night, featuring Watson, the band, and the choir in a moment of sheer musical transcendence. Watson further demonstrated his versatility with a tender rendition of Roy Orbison’s Beautiful Dreamer, before surprising the audience with an impromptu Can’t Help Falling in Love. Returning to Les Misérables, he delivered a powerful and deeply affecting performance of Bring Him Home, showcasing the full depth of his vocal mastery.
Before the final number, Watson took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in the performance, a fitting gesture for a night that so clearly reflected the passion and dedication of all on stage.
The concert reached its emotional peak with Watson’s signature song, Someone to Remember Me, accompanied by Derwent Brass and the choir, bringing the evening to a majestic and poignant close.
Performing in a venue as grand as Liverpool Cathedral is a rare privilege, and the artists involved undoubtedly delivered a performance that will be cherished for years to come. It was a night of outstanding musicianship, festive warmth, and an atmosphere that can only be described as magical—a true highlight of the Christmas season.
R.Straver (Independent Concert Reviewer)
