Last week saw the culmination of months of planning, preparation and rehearsals for our annual carol service. On arrival at Reading Minster, members of the congregation were treated to the church bells ringing out through the frosty air.
Wow! What spectacular musical talent. The church was packed to the rafters as friends, families and colleagues all joined together to share in this joyous occasion.
The scene was set with music from the harps and organ. The lights dimmed and the service began with a traditional vocal solo of Once in Royal David’s City joined by the Senior Choir in the second verse as they processed with cross and acolytes.
Throughout the service we were treated to a range of traditional Christmas carols accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra and organ together with final verse descants from the Senior Choir. Christmas readings were given true meaning by a range of students and the Head.
The Senior Choir, very much the centrepiece of the service, delighted all present with an eclectic mix of vocal offerings, demonstrating a beautiful vocal tone and a mature understanding of the music. Rutter’s Candlelight Carol was accompanied exquisitely by the Harp ensemble who then played a lovely arrangement of What Child is This? which was followed by the Cello ensemble beautifully accompanying the Senior Choir in the Nativity Carol.
A moment of real poignancy came with the Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe, set between the bible readings of the Shepherds at the manger and the Wise Men being led by the star. The Sixth Form Singers’ a cappella performance of Gaudete provided a great contrast to the mellow tones of the Staff Singers with Jenkins’ arrangement of Silent Night. The Lower School Choir gave an unforgettable performance of A Christmas Wish, with their opening line “Christmas is a time for peace” ringing around the Minster.
The Symphony Orchestra concluded the service with a stunning performance of Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival; the festive season has truly begun!