Sell Out Concerts

Marilla performed two live concerts during September. First was at the ‘Arts Centre’ in Swindon and was a sell out. For two hours Marilla shared her faith in word and song with the two hundred strong audience, many of whom had travelled from as far away as Bradford on Avon, Salisbury and South Wales.

The concert was promoted by Rev. Laurence Moss, a Deacon in the Catholic Church, and the leader of the Chaplaincy team at the Prospect Hospice in Swindon. His wife, Anne, manages the Rainbow Bookshop, a Christian shop in Swindon. Anne took over as Manageress about ten years ago, at about the time when Marilla published her first album. That album, 'He Touched Me', sold so well that she had no hesitation in looking out for the second - and she has, of course, stocked the full range ever since. Indeed, she sells more of Marilla's music than any other.

"The concert was not arranged as a money making exercise, but as an opportunity for all those who love Marilla's music to have the opportunity to see her 'in the flesh' and to enjoy an uplifting experience," said Laurence. "The fact that the concert raised £700 for the Prospect Hospice was a wonderful bonus.

"So many people expressed their thanks that Marilla came to Swindon and what was originally thought to be a 'one-off' venture, could well be repeated at the beginning of 2003.

"Perhaps the following extract from a letter Laurence received after the concert, sums up the event.

"..It was truly a wonderful evening with the most wonderful atmosphere - I hadn't expected the beautiful experience of Marilla sharing her faith with us in such a tangible and heartfelt way. It was like a retreat, wasn't it....."

The second concert was at the ‘International Christian Centre’ - Wigan. Again, singing to a full house, Marilla took the opportunity to perform tracks from her new album ‘Jesus My Joy’, as well as singing many of the favourites from her collection.

The evening was promoted by Arthur Cooper, who together with his wife Catherine runs ‘Words’ Bookshop in Wigan. Once again those fans who had travelled many miles to see Marilla were not disappointed, nor too were those seeing Marilla for the first time, of which there were many.

Marilla gave a splendidly serene performance singing well known hymns and choruses which we all could join in with, said Arthur. All the songs and hymns were linked together with scripture verses, stories and experiences from Marilla’s life and faith. People of every denomination sang and listened, laughed and cried together, enjoying being able to hear every word that was said and sung.

There was the added bonus for those at the back of the hall, as Marilla was projected on to two very large screens that followed her every move. All in all it was a very enjoyable evening with positive spiritual feedback.

As a result of the success of this concert, Arthur Cooper will be promoting a series of concerts with Marilla throughout the UK in 2002. If you would like to assist Arthur by suggesting a suitable venue in your area that is capable of seating up to 500 people, please get in touch with him on the following telephone number 01942 492220.