Nobody who attended the concert in memory of the late Ian Morrish , held on the 14th October 2023, could have failed to be moved by the occasion or entertained by the variety of music on offer.
On an emotionally charged but celebratory evening for the Morrish family, Ian’s son, Jeremy, conducted The Woking Wind Orchestra of whom Ian was Chairman, along with Ian’s beloved Alton Concert Band and Lydian Singers for both of whom he had been Musical Director. Their combined talents delivered a wonderful selection of many of Ian’s favourite numbers or, indeed, pieces written or arranged by the man himself.
Right from the start, St Andrew’s Garrison Church in Aldershot rang out with Alfred Reed’s rousing “El Camino Real” and we were then taken on a journey through a miscellany of musical theatre, classical, spiritual, popular and rock music. Jeremy sang solo for “That Lucky Old Sun”, there were both vocal and instrumental versions of “Danny Boy”, the traditional air so close to Ian’s heart, and the play-list ended with Jean Sibelius’ stirring tone poem “Finlandia”.
Just before the finale, we were privileged to be given the première performance of “A Life Well Lived”, commissioned by the Morrish family and beautifully styled by Rob Wiffin OBE, Principal Director (retired) for the RAF Music Services.
The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham had cared for Ian in the weeks leading up to his passing in November 2022 and it was fitting that the proceeds of £3,320 from the concert were donated to this excellent charity.
The next public performance for the Alton Concert Band will be “The Wonder of Christmas” on December 9th at The Alton Maltings starting at 7.00 pm. The ACB is always looking for new members. The band’s musical range encompasses original works for concert band, traditional music and light music in varying styles such as musical theatre. They rehearse on Thursdays from 7.30 – 9.30 pm at the Alton Community Centre in Amery Street, Alton [GU34 2SN]. If you are a competent sight-reader, play a brass or wind instrument or percussion and would like to join the band, please contact the ACB by email: altonconcertband@outlook.com.
And we raised £3,320 to Phyllis Tuckwell , our chosen charity for the event!