A near capacity audience filled the Ayr Town Hall on Sunday evening, the 13th June, for the first Summer Praise Concert of the Ayr Community Gospel Choir.
It was an inspiring evening for all who attended, with folks young and old alike leaving with raised spirits and a song in their hearts.
The Gospel Choir reformed after a tremendous debut Christmas Carol Concert and under the leadership of Bobby Irvine contributed five songs to the evening. The first song, "Wake up O sleeper", really got the audience's toes tapping and hands clapping and it was noted that a group of ladies from a Cumnock Church were even dancing in the aisles!
The timeless "I know a fount" and the reflective arrangement of "Holy Ground" was contrasted with the vibrancy of the singing of "Praise His Holy Name".
Members of the choir and audience alike enjoyed it to the full.
Special guests for the evening were Keith Johnston, who wowed the audience with his two cornet solos. Keith is the bandmaster of the Salvation Army's Edinburgh Gorgie Band and his contributions of The Carnival of Venice and Burn's My love is like a Red Red Rose were very well received. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army once asked the question "Why should the devil have all the best tunes?" and Keith reminded the audience prior to his playing of the favourite Burn's song that the words of "There is a green hill far away" fit well with this tune, he particularly highlighted the verse including "He [Jesus] only could unlock the gate of Heaven and let them in", which linked very well with the preceding drama, "Knocking on Heaven's Door".
Vocal soloist, Marjory Watson contributed songs from the stage and motion picture following the themes of love and hope. Accompanied by her husband Stuart on the piano, she really engaged the gathered audience with her singing of many favourites. Her varied repertoire showed her flair and talent and Marjory linked a favourite of many "I'm finding" to the search for true love that we all go through, recognising the love of God as the ultimate expression of love. Her contributions culminated in a powerful rendition of The Prayer, where she was joined by Bobby Irvine.
The evening concluded with the Gospel Choir singing Total Praise, which summed up the whole atmosphere of this Summer Praise concert.
Graeme Parkhill
