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Review of The Prom on the Close 2004

Cliftonian Jo Bromilow gives us a choir-side view of the 2004 Prom on The Close.

The crowds came in their thousands to the celebrated musical festival that is the Prom on the Close. This year, we were graced with the presence of renowned soloist Aled Jones, who leapt to fame after his infant debut solo ‘We’re walking in the air’. This year, he took time out of his busy schedule presenting Classic FM and recording his new album to sing for the Bristol crowds.

The Clifton College Chapel Choir was, as usual, ready to perform to the best of our considerable abilities, with our (huge group of) sensational sopranos, our accomplished altos, our talented tenors and brilliant bases. This year our highlight piece was the Parry anthem ‘Blest Pair of Sirens’, with its epic introduction and angelic choruses. We also sang the old favourites ‘Rule Britannia’, ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and the classic ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, my personal favourite.

The evening began with the Clifton College swing band getting the crowds in the mood, before the orchestra and our conductor for the year, Peter Stark, were welcomed onto the stage. We were most disappointed that we had lost last year’s eccentric conductor Jay Alexander (and his fantastic tail-coat emblazoned with a sequined Union Flag), but at least Miss Skinner could concentrate while performing her amazing rendition of ‘Rule Britannia’.

The crowds, though disappointed that the fabled RAF plane flyby had been cancelled due to the unreliable weather (although we were unbelievably lucky that evening), were soon applauding the orchestra enthusiastically. Aled Jones, though not requiring our skills as backup singers, gave some stunning performances of his three chosen pieces, even managing to incorporate some advertising for his albums into the running order!

The second half began and the choir were ready to give it our best. Certainly, we got enough applause at the end! Miss Skinner, resplendent in a slinky turquoise number, headed for the microphone, and literally blew the crowds away, especially when she unfurled the Union Flag cunningly sewn as a train on her dress. Mr Halsall commented that it was a rather convenient addition to her costume ‘as she seems to be missing the back of her dress’.

Then we continued with the old favourite sing-along pieces; the audience were so enthusiastic about “Land of Hope and Glory’ that they started before we did!

The Close was a sea of Union Flags and smiling faces. The evening was rounded off by some phenomenal fireworks, before the crowds trouped away. It was truly a spectacular event. Roll on Prom on the Close 2005! Mr Swinton, our organist, hopes that we will get Pavarotti to appear next year!

© 2006 Clifton College