Coventry Leofric Charity Concert

The 5th Annual Charity Concert organised by Coventry Leofric Lions was held at the Methodist Central Hall. It attracted over 600 people and raised more than £3,500 for the Warwickshire and Northampton Air Ambulance.

Two nationally acclaimed local close harmony (barbershop) male and female groups; The Sounds of Three Spires and Belles of Three Spires, combined with the internationally renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s Berkley Salon Ensemble to brighten and warm a dark and dismal November night.

The CBSO’s Berkley Salon Ensemble, was making its first appearance in Coventry and evoked memories of a less stressful and golden age of light music from the 1920’s to the early days of swing and the 1950’s dance bands.

The appearance of the Berkley Salon Ensemble formed part of ‘CBSO on the Road’ - a series of specially devised community concerts sponsored by Mitchells & Butlers (£2,000). Airwave Solutions a company that provides communications to emergency services provided significant top-up sponsorship (£500) that enabled the ticket price to be held at £5.

The vocal vibrancy of The Belles of Three Spires, which consistently comes in the top ten national rankings, performed pieces from their repertoire at this month’s National Competition where they gained third place in Music & Presentation; the highest placing the Chorus has ever achieved. The ladies of ‘The Belles’ are now ranked overall fifth in the UK.

Both ‘barbershop’ groups individually wowed the audience with a variety of modern and popular classical pieces and received standing ovations. Their duet, Lida Rose (from the musical, Music Man), not only filled the stage with over 70 talented close harmony barbershop singers but delighted everyone with their close harmony.

Kevin Birch from Leofric Lions said, ‘It was a terrific turnout and a superb night’s entertainment. There was something for all ages and all tastes, and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We will have collected well over £3,500, which is a record for our concerts. I am pleased they experienced professional musicians at a live concert, while at the same time knowing that they were helping to save lives by keeping the air ambulance flying. An exit bucket collection totalled almost £900 - a superb performance by those who attended and perhaps reflected their level of enjoyment.’

Coventry Leofric Lions also used the occasion to present a cheque for £2,000 raised at their donkey derby to the local Air Ambulance, based at Coventry.