Orchestra set to build ‘Snowman’ once again

It’s become as much a part of Christmas as the tree and mistletoe.

Now the Cork Youth Orchestra is set to perform a live accompaniment of Howard Blake’s remarkable score to the timeless classic, The Snowman, at their annual Christmas concert in City Hall next weekend.

The 140-strong orchestra, whose members range in age from 14 to 18, will be joined on stage by Phantom Of The Opera West End stars Mike Sterling who played the Phantom, and Sofia Escobar, who played Christine.

Mike will narrate The Snowman while Sofia will sing the animated movie’s famous theme song, Walking In The Air.

Blake, an English composer, won global acclaim for his soundtrack for Channel 4’s now-legendary 1982 film The Snowman, written by Raymond Briggs, and directed by Dianne Jackson.

The beautiful theme song, which was sung by a young Aled Jones, has gone on to become one of the most famous Christmas songs of all time.

Cork Youth Orchestra conductor Tomás McCarthy said the orchestra — one of the largest in the country — has been rehearsing every Saturday since September. “It’s a real feat for a professional orchestra to perform a live accompaniment like this,” he said.

“There are sounds to describe every action in the half-hour movie, and I must know what happens at every single stage in the film, and the orchestra must trust me to hit the right cues. But it works really well. They are on fire, and are ready for a great performance.”

As well as the performance of The Snowman, the concert will also feature a range of West End hits, and some of the world’s favourite Christmas songs.

Mr McCarthy said giving such talented young musicians a chance to perform such a large concert, with professional performers in a professional setting, really enhances their talent. “It really ups their game and rubs off on the them. They will play out of their skin on their nights.”

The concert will be staged at 8pm on Saturday Dec 14, and Sunday Dec 15, and will be compered by broadcaster and rugby union pundit George Hook.

Tickets are priced €25 and are available from Pro Musica and Ticketmaster.