Extravaganza Weekend 2004 Review
02 Sep 2004
South West music fans soaked up a combination of rays and riffs at Glastonbury Abbey's Musical Extravaganza Weekend which took place on Friday 30th July, Saturday 31st and Sunday 1st August in the majestic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. The abbey's ancient walls echoed with sounds ranging from classical to soul as the Extravaganza came to town. About 16,000 tickets were snapped up to watch acts ranging from the ever-popular Royal Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, to Van Morrison and the barnstorming headliner Jools Holland. Ticket holders were treated to a variety of music on each night, with Chris Farlowe, the Yeovil Town Band, Nicola Benedetti, Deborah Bonham, Ruby Turner and Sam Brown providing strong support.
The Extravaganza was launched in 1996 by Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis
but this year was the first time the event was held over three days. The concerts, which attracted young and old from across Somerset and neighbouring counties, kicked off at tea-time, allowing the scores of music fans to enjoy picnics in the late-afternoon sun as the evening's entertainment got under way. Age was no barrier to enjoying stunning displays of fireworks on Saturday and Sunday nights, which were fitting finales to the concerts.
This year it was Van Morrison who started the show in style, with an intense performance that delighted the diehard fans gathered before him. His rapport with the crowd was matched on stage by his partnership with veteran singer Chris Farlowe as the pair sang a soulful version of Bob Dylan's “It's All Over Now, Baby Blue”. Before the show ended an appreciative audience were also treated to Morrison rock classic “Gloria”.
On the Saturday, the Extravaganza returned to its classical roots with the Royal Philharmonic, who stormed through a number of favourites. Rousing highlights included music from Elgar's “Pomp and Circumstance” and “Jerusalem”, with Mascagni's “Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo” bringing a quieter change of pace. Huge TV screens beside the stage picked out individual performers and showed scenes based on the Battle of Trafalgar during “Pomp and Circumstance”, while water features played nearby. The audience displayed their passion for the classics by waving Union and St George's Cross flags enthusiastically.
Another Extravaganza stalwart, the Pendyrus Male Choir, took its place beside the orchestra and received an enthusiastic reception, while soloists Anthony Mee and Deborah Norman impressed. A soothing note was struck earlier in the evening by the entrancing Corelli Quartet, featuring former Wells schoolgirl Jessie Murphy, while members of Wells and Glastonbury Young Farmers' Club cut a dash in dinner jackets and dresses as they sold souvenir programmes for the event. The climax for an evening of musical passion came with volleys of fireworks lighting up the skies above the enthralled audience.
On the Sunday the show took another musical twist with the return of Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, with a swinging repertoire of jazz and R & B classics. His encore of “Enjoy yourself” had the entire audience on its feet, singing along to the music. It was a very special evening from the moment Nicola Benedetti lit up the stage with a delightful set until the last firework celebrated the end of an unforgettable concert – and weekend!
Organiser Michael Eavis said talent and technology had helped create the most spectacular Extravaganza in its eight-year history. He also hinted that legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor has been lined up for next year's event to fill the opening Friday night slot, for another three-night epic. "It was a fantastic weekend, and the weather has been so good," Mr Eavis said. "I was trying to get a programme that everyone enjoyed." Especially effective in his opinion were the giant TV screens, similar to those used for the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival. "It costs a lot of money - £27,000," he added. "But to get a quality show you need that kind of equipment, to pick out the musicians and put scenes from history on the screen. It was something else." Michael said that if the expected 16,000 tickets had been sold he would break even on the £300,000 organisational costs. "It is a lot of money to pay out but on the other hand when it works it is really exciting," he said. "The people who went really loved it to bits. There is no classical music show like it in the country."
To view the Extravaganza 2004 photo gallery click on the pictures below.
All Photographs by Jason Bryant.
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