Hollywood actor to host concert

Feb 25 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

YOUNG musicians are tuning up ready for a major performance alongside acclaimed Liverpool-born TV and film actor David Morrissey next week.

For the 10th year in a row, St Mary’s College in Crosby is mounting a showcase of the musical skills of its pupils at the Philharmonic Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday.

The concert will be introduced by the actor who was one of the stars of the recent BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.

His film credits also include Basic Instinct 2, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Hilary and Jackie and Derailed.

The event is a family affair for Morrissey - his sister Karen Lane is head of Lower School at St Mary’s.

The concert will feature 11 different musical groups from the school - including the college orchestra, the Baroque string group, the chamber choir, the flute ensemble and the Latin American string group - as well as a number of soloists.

In total more than 150 pupils aged from nine-18 will perform at the event which will be hosted by Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips.

All ticket money will be donated to the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

The young musicians will perform a wide range of music including Gershwin’s An American in Paris, selections from Fiddler on the Roof, the Rhythm of Life from the musical Sweet Charity and even an arrangement of some Aboriginal music.

The concert will be conducted by St Mary’s head of music Simon Emery and colleague Andrew Byers. Mr Emery said: “Our concerts at the Philharmonic Hall are always one of the highlights of the school calendar.

“A lot of hard work goes into the evening but it’s wonderful to see pupils of all ages rise to the occasion and play so well in such a spectacular setting.

“It’s equally pleasing that their efforts will help to raise funds for a very good cause – Cafod’s drive to fight poverty and injustice in the developing world.”

Circle tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children and OAPs and can be booked via the box office on 0151-709 3789.

Individual stalls and box seats (and family tickets prices at £20 for five seats) can be booked via the St Mary’s school office on 0151-924 3916.

richarddown