Covent Gards Sinfonia conducted by Ben Palmer.
The anticipation of Christmas hangs heavy in the air on this typically soggy English winter afternoon in December. Hundreds of young people and their care givers populate the Brighton Dome in excitement for this live orchestra accompaniment of the forty three year old classic, The Snowman.
Seat boosters are employed in full force as eager children jostle into position for the start of the recital. Conductor Ben Palmer takes to the stage, a genial host, and prepares the audience for what they about to hear. For make of the young crowd this is the first time they have heard a live orchestra and what a beautiful introduction to the world of classic music this proves to be.
The first half of the hour long concert is dedicated to the swooping strings and glockenspiel filed wizarding world of the Harry Potter soundtrack. This is in itself is a modern classic and is wonderfully played bu the Covent Garden Sinfonia. It is a joy to watch each section of the orchestra play in harmony with each other; the seated strings in full flow, the brass section trumpeting together and the industrious members of the 3 person percussion section bustling in-between instruments, working like a well oiled machine.
The second half gives way to the star of the show, The Snowman. Originally written by Raymond Briggs, or I should say drawn by Briggs as the book contains no words, as a reactionary piece to the very wordy Fungus the Bogeyman, Briggs’ creation was skilfully woven into an animation adding Christmas elements that were never originally in the book. It was first shown on a fledgling Channel Four at Christmas 1982. The animation has become part of the fabric of a British Christmas, adored by the viewing public of all ages.
Here the piece starts with an audible wow for the audience, although this reviewer did miss the David Bowie introduction that accompanies the tv version. As the music and animation continue it is obvious to see why this has been such an enduring hit. The music is beautifully iconic and the story itself is both funny and touching. Children and adults can be heard laughing all the way through this performance, especially at the clowning of the snowman and the vigorous set piece of the snowman’s ball.
The Snowman’s setting seems like a bygone era but also timeless. The modern technology is missing and look of the world old fashion but the themes continue to this day. Complete joy and love exudes in the room as the animation runs and Sinfonia plays. Even the sad denouement cannot dampen the Christmas spirit in the room. It is an absolute joy to behold.
Reviewed on 21st December 2025
The Reviews Hub Star Rating
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10
