It was a show like none ever before it – the Algarve Rock Choir, the Rock Choir Group and the São Brás Salvation Army Brass Band came together for the first time to play a Christmas Show in the São Brás Theatre.
With a mixture of carols and modern Christmas songs, it was an interesting experience to watch these normally separate factions enjoying their music together.
Howard Parkin, the choir’s musical director, said: “We did a fundraiser for the Salvation Army back in July and Captain Luís Viriato, the Salvation Army leader, and myself came up with the idea to perform for a Christmas Show.”
It was four months in the making, with Howard writing all the musical scores for the brass band, with time for only a few rehearsals before the one show on the 14th.
“It was a great success,” said Howard, “but it was fingers crossed as we weren’t really sure that it would work.” But Captain Luís said confidently: “I had no doubt in my mind that with the Algarve Rock Choir’s great singers and live backing group, my brass musicians would be a perfect combination.”
Together, the show raised nearly €3,000 which was used to buy an electric wheelchair for a severely handicapped young woman, so there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the wheelchair was presented on the night.
Howard and Luís already have thoughts of another show together…
