For the second year running, the Algarve Rock Choir (ARC) and The Salvation Army (TSA) Brass Band will team up to perform two shows at the São Brás de Alportel Theatre-Cinema, in the Avenida, on December 13 (8pm) and 14 (5pm matinee).
The ARC will sing and play Christmas songs and carols “in an exciting way that you have never heard before”, together with a 14-piece brass band led by Captain Luís Viriato of the TSA.
It all began last year when the ARC performed a fundraiser for the TSA at the São Brás Museum. It was so successful that Howard Scott Parkin, Musical Director of the ARC, and Captain Luís of the TSA thought of performing together for a Christmas Show.
Although it was a little daunting to find out that this combination apparently had never been done before, it proved to be an historic and exciting event. Public response was “tremendous” and last year’s show raised nearly €5,000. Proceeds were used to buy an electric wheelchair for a severely handicapped young woman, food hampers for the needy and assist with other requests from local charities.
Since then, Howard and Luís have become firm friends, sharing a love of music and performance.
Howard, who is a multi-instrumentalist, performer and music teacher, has written all the parts for the Salvation Army Brass Band instruments, saying: “When Luís asked me to write the scores for the band, it seemed impossible at first, never having played a brass instrument in my life. But it was a great challenge and I found that it became fairly easy.
“My understanding of harmonies within music helped me to realise what each instrument was capable of. But it was very time consuming. I would get up early in the morning at 5am to write the music for a total of about 125 separate scores in all!”
Howard owns and runs Strings & Things in Almancil, the largest private music school in the Algarve, directs the Algarve Rock Choir and also the Ukulele Orchestra.
“When I reached retirement age, I expected things to become easier, but I am probably busier now than I have ever been,” said Howard.
Aside from his involvement with TSA, Captain Luís Viriato is well known across the Algarve for his efforts to help the needy. He never hesitates to “get stuck in” when things need doing and helping the poor or elderly.
Luís also gives church services on Sunday, delivers food and other essentials to the needy and supports local charitable functions he is involved with. So he has very little time left for himself, his wife and two young children.
“But hey,” says Luís with a smile, “someone has to do it and that’s what I and The Salvation Army are here for.” But it is plain to see that Luís just loves what he does.
Proceeds from the two concerts will go towards The Salvation Army.
Tickets costing €10 are available at:
Strings & Things in Almancil: 919 968 768;
The Gallery, next door to the Cinema-Theatre in São Brás de Alportel;
Tavira Charity Shop/Christian Centre (behind Pingo Doce): 917 872 559
