On Sunday, 12th December, Schola Cantorum provided the college with its annual Carol service. This followed a traditional setting of Nine Lessons and Carols with a series of readings delivered by the breath of the college community, whilst the service was officiated by our Chaplain, Reverend Andy Nicholson.
Opening with the usual solo verse of Once in Royal David’s City sung beautifully and sensitively by Harrison W, the service proceeded with numerous unaccompanied carols including MacMillan’s ‘O Radiant Dawn’, Chilcott’s moving ‘Still, Still, Still’, and Nigel Short’s arrangement of ‘Away in a Manger’ with a lovely solo sung by Rebecca H.
With the strength of the ensemble this year, some further ambitious carols were performed with a sensitive interpretation of Byrd’s ‘Lullaby, my sweet little baby’, Gardner’s buoyant ‘Tomorrow shall be my dancing day’ with associated percussion and Wilberg’s moving interpretation of Rosetti’s words ‘In the Bleak midwinter’ with a warm opening verse sung by Alex C and Ben. Accompanied by Mr Carpenter on the organ, a carol service is not complete without some music by John Rutter and so his typically tuneful ‘Candlelight Carol’ featured.
This was a wonderful celebration of musicianship and readings and performing 8 carols alongside the congregational carols and associate descants was no small feat for the Schola Cantorum. Of course, it is hoped that next year we might return to some sense of norm with a full chapel and a choir of many more voices, however for the meantime, do please enjoy the live recording and video which can be found below:
