Young musicians visit Norfolk Christian centre
 Saturday December 10 brought a new style and atmosphere to All Saints’ Centre, Westlegate, Norwich, as the Norfolk Keyboard Orchestra paid a visit.
By Katherine Gray
Shoppers, regular visitors to the Centre and supporters of the orchestra were treated to a varied programme of music from this group of young performers, whilst enjoying refreshments from All Saints’ Centre’s popular coffee bar. The orchestra, too large in its entirety to play all together in the confines of the venue, was divided into two groups, each one presenting its own programme during the course of the morning.
The electronic keyboards were amplified and linked to a mixing desk and adorned with festive lights for the occasion. The music performed varied from solos to group ensembles and from Christmas carols to Pachelbel’s canon, with the addition of some singing and live drums.
James, one of the soloists, has been a member of the orchestra for four years and really enjoys it. “It is fun to meet new people, and playing in the orchestra is more fun than playing on your own” he says. Young Zippy, another talented young player, joins in with her elder brother.
Normally renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and its lack of music, with the exception of an occasional live performer, All Saints’ Centre, Westlegate, was delighted to welcome this highly accomplished group of young performers into its midst and the coffee bar staff was run off its feet as people came in from the cold to listen.
The Norfolk Keyboard Orchestra is a Norfolk Music Service ensemble that meets regularly on a Thursday afternoon from 4.00 – 5.30 in Hemblington Primary School, near Acle, and welcomes players aged 9 – 16 from all over the county. Youngsters interested in taking part can find out more from Rory Marsdon (Tel: 01603 717239)
All Saints’ Centre is a Multi-purpose Christian ‘home from home’, situated opposite John Lewis in All Saints’ Church, offering food for body, mind and spirit to all who visit. Open six days a week, from 10 – 4.30, it exists to serve the community in the name of Christ and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Readers are invited to visit www.allsaintsnorwich.org.uk or call in find out more for themselves. or call in find out more for themselves.
Pictured above: some of the Norfolk Keyboard Orchestra performers
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