A FULL capacity audience enjoyed a summer showcase concert hosted by Craven Accordion Orchestra. (CAO)

The evening occasion at Skipton Town Hall was compèred by Christine Paulat-Brigg, with Craven District Council chairman Councillor Stephen Place delivering the opening address.

Guest musical director for CAO, Bob Nevin, took the floor to lead the orchestra for the first half of the programme.

This featured a repertoire ranging from a Piazzolla tango to a medley of James Bond classic themes, traditional Italian and Greek folklore tunes, a Bryan Adams rock classic, and a medley of Mary Poppins evergreens arranged by lead accordionist of the CAO, Graham Waterhouse.

After a short interval it was the turn of guests from Berlin, Orchester Musika Akkordia, led by musical director Suzanne Graming.

Both ensembles came together for the finale, playing The Final Countdown as a collaborative orchestra.

The chosen charity for this event was the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

A spokesman for the concert organisers said: “A massive thanks goes out for the magnificent donations received towards a true ‘grand raffle’, which raised £325.

“Anyone wishing to make a further contribution can contact 07517 998790.

“The evening ran like clockwork and we extend our gratitude to friends of the CAO participating in various duties and to staff at Skipton Town Hall for their support.

“The event was not just a concert but a showcase that will live long in the memories of those that witnessed this amazing evening.”