Oxford Gospel Choir were melodious, harmonious, uplifting, inspirational … I could go on, but suffice to say we had a wonderful time.
They had over a hundred singers, out of whom a range of talented soloists and conductors emerged to provide variety.
They also provided refreshments during the interval, with proceeds going to Restore, an Oxfordshire based mental health charity.
Wesley Memorial Church served as one of the venues for the Oxford Folk Weekend. We met, as usual, in the John Wesley Room, but this was doubling as a cafe for the occasion, so some members bought a snack or a drink, and admired the stalls selling accordions, and other Folk related items.
We then went though into the sanctuary, which had been transformed into a music venue, and listened to The Skeptics, and then after an interval False Lights. We are very grateful to the bands, and the the organisers of the Folk Weekend for a very enjoyable evening.
Some Oxford Phab members performed in the Musical “Amazing Love“, while others came to watch. All those who took part, and hopefully those who watched, found it inspiring and uplifting.
It was written by Jack Godfrey, a member of Wesley Memorial Church, and who came to Phab from time to time – and tells the story of John and Charles Wesley. This might not sound like the most promising material for a musical, but the Wesleys had an exciting life and Amazing Love features a fire and a storm at sea, both accompanied by appropriate special effects, as well as scenes at Oxford University and the Colony of Georgia. We also learnt the less widely know “Tale of Jeremiah‘s Wife”.
Here we see, in the background, Oxford Phab members Penny, John, Sarah, Mary and Karen. Note the simple, but effective 18th century costumes.
In the background are Mary, Sarah, Karen and John from Oxford Phab looking on as John Wesley talks to Sophie Hopkey.
Here John (on the upper level), Mary and Sarah are joining in the finale.
Up in the gallery Simon was running a Followspot to illuminate principle characters, and helped with the setting up and taking down of the lighting rig.
This video was shot during the setting up of part of the Fire! scene. The production version of the scene used more fire effect lighting systems and a smoke machine.
Rehearsing for the musical and thinking about some related issues led to the article Amazing Love, Demographics and Mass migrations on my blog.
We were lucky to have the chance, once again, to see The Moonrakers back at Wesley Memorial, in another concert with proceeds going to the Open Doors Project.
Here are some of the Phab members, watching Moonrakers setting up.
We went to see Love Me Tender – packed with Elvis hits, with a nod to William Shakespeare. Another good night out.
Moonrakers did a concert at Wesley Memorial, in aid of its Open Doors project. It was enjoyed, not just by Phab, but by many members of the church and Moonrakers fans who came to hear them play.