On Saturday, December 2, 2006, the CSB was on hand for the fourth annual Christmas With The Salvation Army concert at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. It was an evening full of musical variety with something to suit everyone’s tastes and get the holiday season off to a fine start.

The CSB’s main contributions were two major works-Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival” and William Himes’ “Three Kings Swing,” which featured a scintillating cornet solo by Brindley Venables, that brought the house down.

Guest vocalist Jude Gotrich captivated the audience with her sparkling rendition of “Come, Let Us Worship the King” and John Rutter’s beautiful “Candlelight Carol,” both with band accompaniment augmented by the brilliant piano artistry of CSB alumnus Bill Way.

It was also great to be reunited with the Duncan Hopkins Quartet, who lent their distinctive jazz sound to several items throughout the evening, including “O Christmas Tree,” “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Lament for the Lost,” all written by Duncan especially for the occasion. For the band, the occasion brought back happy memories of the Red & Brassy concert presented in February 2005 at the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, highlights of which are available on the “Red & Brassy” CD (see Recordings).

Other contributions to the program were several items by the festival chorus, ranging from the lighthearted “Innkeeper’s Song” (Jane Clarke) to James Curnow’s “Christ’s Part.” In addition, the audience was delighted throughout the evening by the antics of two of Santa’s elves, cleverly portrayed by Kathryn Ballantine and Jessica Willis. Audience participation ranged from traditional carols to the warm holiday favourite “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

The night ended with a moving visual presentation of Salvation Army ministry around the world and an inspirational thought from Colonel Glen Shepherd, chief secretary. Then before the final carol and benediction, all the musical forces combined to present “Christmas Time Is Here” (Vince Guaraldi, arr. Duncan Hopkins) as one final massed item. For many in the audience who didn’t know much about The Salvation Army, it was a truly memorable evening and a wonderful way to usher in the Christmas season.

- Major Ken Smith