As visitors to Edinburgh this was our first experience of the RNSO Christmas Concert. It was a wonderful family event. The Usher Hall was full to bursting with children, parents, grandparents and friends. The atmosphere was electric. The first half programme consisted of Richard Bissell’s 'A Christmas Carnival' followed by a showing of 'The Snowman' film with live music and narration by Libby McArthur. There were very few dry eyes in evidence as the house lights came up for the interval. The conductor, Christopher Bell really entered the party spirit for the second half. He appeared in long white furry boots and, as an Ultsterman, a plain kilt but…'plain’ fluorescent scarlet, would you believe! Furthermore, the kilt was topped off with a sporran illuminated with Christmas lights. We all sang traditional carols interspersed with listening to the RNSO and Chorus performing more complex Christmas pieces. The penultimate work was 'The Penguin Song' in which the whole audience had to stand, sing and follow the actions. The children’s performance put us adults to shame. 'Hark The Herald Angels Sing' brought the concert to a rousing close. Smiles were in evidence throughout the audience as we flooded out of the Usher Hall. We hardly noticed the sleet as we stepped out onto Lothian Road.
