Conductor's farewell performance after 35 years
Thursday, 16th December 2010.
Haverhill’s major Christmas music event marks a special milestone for the man who has conducted at all the concerts since they began in 1976.
Les Ager who, as musical director of Haverhill Silver Band and Haverhill and District Operatic Society that year, was closely involved in getting Carols For All off the ground, will be taking the conductor’s stand for the last time on Sunday, December 18.
The concert has become a Haverhill tradition over the intervening 35 years, and always draws a packed crowd to the Old Independent Church for a programme of choir and band items, some with the grand organ as well, along with favourite carols for the audience to join in with, and help raise the roof.
Mr Ager, 72, has been succeeded in his role as musical director of the band by his son Mark in recent years, while his daughter Karen has taken over conducting the operatic society’s musical shows, performed nowadays under the banner of Centre Stage Company.
But Mr Ager senior has conducted either the choir, or the band or both at Carols For All every year since the concert was first suggested to him by Miss Grace Gurteen, and will be conducting the choir for his farewell appearance.
The operatic society will be joined this year by members of Haverhill Choral Society, and at the organ once again will be Nigel Brown.
Carols For All starts at 8pm, but it is advisable to get there early to beat the crush and get a good seat. Tickets are available from Haverhill Arts Centre box office, Chapmans in High Street or on the door at £5 (accompanied children under 12 free).
Les Ager who, as musical director of Haverhill Silver Band and Haverhill and District Operatic Society that year, was closely involved in getting Carols For All off the ground, will be taking the conductor’s stand for the last time on Sunday, December 18.
The concert has become a Haverhill tradition over the intervening 35 years, and always draws a packed crowd to the Old Independent Church for a programme of choir and band items, some with the grand organ as well, along with favourite carols for the audience to join in with, and help raise the roof.
Mr Ager, 72, has been succeeded in his role as musical director of the band by his son Mark in recent years, while his daughter Karen has taken over conducting the operatic society’s musical shows, performed nowadays under the banner of Centre Stage Company.
But Mr Ager senior has conducted either the choir, or the band or both at Carols For All every year since the concert was first suggested to him by Miss Grace Gurteen, and will be conducting the choir for his farewell appearance.
The operatic society will be joined this year by members of Haverhill Choral Society, and at the organ once again will be Nigel Brown.
Carols For All starts at 8pm, but it is advisable to get there early to beat the crush and get a good seat. Tickets are available from Haverhill Arts Centre box office, Chapmans in High Street or on the door at £5 (accompanied children under 12 free).
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