We did not know when we chose to sing Mendelsohn's Elijah that, according to Eastern European folklore Elijah, the thunderer could be blamed for bad weather! Perhaps he will be appeased by our rendering of his fascinating story at our concert.

Elijah is the dramatic story of the ninth century BC prophet who warned King Ahab that his actions and those of his wife Queen Jezebel would bring disaster on the people of God. He and his queen had encouraged the worship of Baal and abandoned the worship of Jehovah. Drought, rebellion, vengeance and dejection follow but in the best tradition of Good prevailing over Evil; peace, concord, consolation and praise bring the story to a conclusion.
I heard this work for the first time when I was about seven years old and the excitement and spine chilling effect of the music of the dramatic choruses is still with me. The people of Israel calling to Baal to send down Fire, the slaying of the priests, the suspense of waiting for the Lord to send rain, the relief when indeed it does rain, the Prophet Elijah being taken to heaven in a whirlwind all combine to make a nail biting story.

This work will be familiar to many but whether or not you have heard it before, you will be in for a treat. So, come to hear Mendelsohn's Elijah sung by Thornbury Choral Society under the skilful conducting of Steven Kings, orchestra led by Bob Chadwick.

Soloists; - Sian Winstanley (soprano)
Martha McLorinan (alto)
Wilhelm Theunissen (tenor)
Nicholas Perfect (bass)
They will be joined by George McCarthy, the head Chorister of Bristol Cathedral.

Tickets £10 (£9 prepaid) £1 under 16. Available from Thornbury Town Hall, choir members or on the door.

Featuring: Castle School Gospel Choir, Panache Second Generation, Fascinating Rhythm
Soloists: Maddie Gill, Esme Cook & Emma Barnes
Organ Recital: Paul Harris
£5 (£4 Concessions), Family ticket 2 adults & 2 children £15.00. Contact 418004/419439

Organised by the Thornbury and District Local Branch of Cancer Research UK. All are most welcome to join with us.

The evening will include performences by: The Castle School Jazz Band, St Mary's Olveston Hand Bell Ringers, Marlwood School Drama Group, Recorder Ensemble from U3A, plus Readings and a few Christmas Carols.

At the end of the evening Coffee and Mince Pies will be served and there will be a retiring collection for the work of Cancer Research UK.

The evening is our way of thanking all those who have so generously supported our efforts to raise cash for Cancer Research UK during the past 12 months.

A festive celebration of Christmas in the Castle's mediaeval Great Hall, performed by the internationally renowned English String Orchestra directed by Michael Bochmann (violin).

Join your host, Charles Berkeley, around the Christmas Tree and soak up the festive atmosphere, interspersed by selected Christmas readings, and enjoy wine and delicious mince pies.

This is a very popular event and we know that seats will sell very fast!

Booking details will be announced nearer the time.
www.berkeley-castle.com/playsconc...

Featuring special guests: The City of Bristol Brass Band and the UK women's quartet champions HAVOC.

Tickets £6 (under 12s £4) available from Brenda Roberts 01453 845456 and Emma Richardson 01453 845214.

Thornbury Orchestra presents a popular programme of classical music, featuring Shostakovich’s Festival Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet and Dvořák’s Symphony No 9 'From the New World'. Plus, local singer Louise Hambly-Smith joins forces with the orchestra again to perform three songs by Brahms.

Tickets £6 (£5 conc./£1 children U16). Available from 1 November in person from Ronnie's Restaurant where concert goers will also be able to book a pre-concert meal.

Alternatively call 01454 414414 or click below for more information.
www.thornburyorchestra.org.uk
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All on a Winter's Night - with material from three albums and an anthology, Johnny Coppin, one of England's finest singer/songwriters, presents a rich mix of traditional carols and new songs, together with stories , superstitions and folklore from all over the uk and beyond.

Johnny Coppin made his name in the 70s with the cult folk-rock group Decameron but has worked as a solo performer for many years. Joining him for All on a Winter's Night will be multi-talented musician and fine reader of stories Paul Burgess (of the Old Swan Band) on violin and recorders, and on guitars Mick Dolan, who has worked with Steve Winwood, Dr Hook and Show of Hands.

Tickets £10/£8conc
Call 01454 632306 or 07949 836503, or click below for more details.
www.aust.music.btinternet.co.uk
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You may remember the excellent Thornbury Band which sadly folded in 2003. The band's concerts within Thornbury were always looked forward to and they're back - in part. Many members of that great band - including founder members who still live in Thornbury - now play for the Portishead Town Band who will be reviving the brass band concert at Armstrong Hall this Christmas. To our knowledge the previous Thornbury Band performed this seasonal concert for twenty consecutive years from 1983 to 2003. The evening promises to be full of both quality music making and audience participation with a traditional carol singing element sure to get everyone involved.

For more information, please contact Jeremy Topp by email below.
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A band, disco, and a traditional three course festive meal. Pre-orders are required. £45.00 per person. Call us today to book on 01454 263000.
www.four-pillars.co.uk

Come and hear the band playing.

Entertainment by Roy Palmer
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury_s...