It was a show like none ever before it, The "Algarve Rock Choir", The "Rock Choir Group" and the "São Brás Salvation Army Brass Band" came together for the first time, to play a wonderful Christmas Show in the São Brás Theatre.
With a mixture of carols and modern Christmas songs, it was an amazing experience to see and hear these normally separate factions clearly enjoying their night together.
Howard Parkin, the choir's Musical Director said "We did a fund raiser for the Salvation Army back in July, and Captain Luis Viriato the Salvation Army leader and myself came up with the idea to perform for a Christmas Show."
It was 4 months in the making, with Howard writing all the musical scores for the brass band, with time for only a few rehearsals before the one show on the 14th.
"It was a great success", says Howard, "but it was fingers crossed, as we weren't really sure that it would work". But Captain Luis said, "I had no doubt in my mind that with the Algarve Rock Choir's great singers and live backing group, my brass musicians would be a perfect combination".
Together, the show raised nearly €3000, which was used to buy an electric wheelchair for a severely handicapped young woman, so there wasn't a dry eye in the house when the wheelchair was presented on the night.
Everybody left the theatre full of compliments for a job well done, so now Howard and Luis already have thoughts of another show together.
