IT WAS an inspiring start to the festive season as Music Maker took to the stage for their Christmas concert 2003 entitled Christmas Starts Here and so it did.

The concert coincided with the release of their latest CD 'Gift Wrapped' featuring their own composition 'Christmas Wrapping' and marked the end of six months of hard work by all involved.

Beginning with a selection of songs from Oliver! the different groups bounced along merrily encouraging us to join in with modern classics such as I Wish it could be Christmas Every Day, Merry Christmas Now and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer performed by Mini Music's 4-8 year olds. There was also a sultry version of Santa Baby.

These were complemented by more classical songs such as a polished and spine-tingling rendition of Pie Jesu by Nicky Morgan and the haunting Coventry Carol performed by Louise Swain, Eve Moss and Holly Maries.

The group also premiered 'The Christmas Present' a song written by their 12-18 year group.

Effective seasonal backdrops and projected choreography put the finishing touches to the festive theme. The performance was also strongly supported by a talented selection of musicians and a dedicated backstage crew.

This was a well-balanced performance of fine and varied talents, too many to mention individually, all brought together by Music Maker and its leaders, who are only too aware that everyone has a song to sing and is happy to let them.

Merry Christmas Music Maker.

Jane Maries