04/01/2024
The Royal Corps of Army Musicians from the seven bands of the Household Division are some of the UK's finest. They showcased their musical genius at Fairfield Hall, Croydon last week in 'Scarlet and Gold', a stirring Military Musical Spectacular Christmas concert that raised the rafters.
This year’s concert featured the five bands of the Foot Guards as well as the Fanfare Trumpeters; the Household Cavalry Band, perhaps more familiar from their role as the mounted band; along with the Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra from Woolwich; and The Guards Big Band. The programme covered a diverse range of sensational music, old and new, upbeat and reflective, to suit all tastes, all presented as a spectacle of sound and colour. Featured in the programme were Carols through the ages, Christmas film favourites, the Guards Big Band playing Showtime classics, and a moody ode to Winter.
Our musicians are men and women of many talents and this year were joined by Wynn Evans as Scrooge in a Christmas Carol. Winner of BBC Celebrity Masterchef and an acclaimed international operatic tenor, Wynn is commonly known from his spoof performances as Gio Compario in TV insurance advertising.
This was the final performance as the Commanding Officer for Lt Col David Barringer. At the pinnacle of his 35 year career in Army Music, he has led the bands through one of the most important 18 months of its long and distinguished history. From the Funeral of Her Late Majesty The Queen to the Coronation, the celebrity Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle and the first King’s Birthday Parade, our musicians have been centre stage.
He said: “2023 has been a whirlwind year, involving many once in a generation events. Our musicians go from strength to strength, despite an unrelenting schedule, maintaining the highest standards of performance in support of the Household Division, Defence and indeed the Nation.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what the musicians have collectively achieved this year, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their passion, commitment and enthusiasm for everything they do. On behalf of everyone in the Bands of the Household Division, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!”