There are moments in time that remain forever in the hearts and minds of the people who were there and this year’s carol service was one such occasion. The bells of Reading Minster rang out across the streets as the school community came together for the annual carol service. The Brass Ensemble played a range of carols from high up in the gallery to really set the scene while members of the congregation enjoyed festive refreshments.

The scene set, 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 beautiful vocal tone and a mature understanding of the music. Emerson’s arrangement of Mary, did you know? was utterly spellbinding as was Stopford’s A Christmas Blessing. A complete change of mood came with the 5-part arrangement of The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy and the rousing Torches, accompanied by the organ. The Staff Singers were in fine voice with their performance of Gabriel’s Message and the Lower School Choir’s beautiful rendition of Chilcott’s Mid-Winter was accompanied exquisitely by harps and flute. The Sixth Form Singers’ performance of Rutter’s A Christmas Lullaby was just sublime.

The magnificent Symphony Orchestra gave an exciting performance of Leontovych’s Carol of the Bells in which they demonstrated superb ensemble playing and later in the service, Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival.

A moment of real poignancy came with the Massed choirs of the Senior, Lower School and Staff accompanied by Symphony Orchestra in Ryan Brandau’s fantastic arrangement of O Holy Night. Each section of the piece built on the previous, until over 100 voices joined together to proclaim Christ is the Lord.

The service concluded with a majestic performance of Recessional given by the Harp Ensemble accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra heralding that the festive season has truly begun!