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 delighted the gathered congregation 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 Brandau’s beautiful harmonies in Still, still, still and Silent Night, accompanied by the String Orchestra. The Senior Choir demonstrated their versatility through the bright and light vocal tones of People Look East and attack and precision in This Little Babe from Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. The Staff Singers were in fine voice with their a capella performance of Carol of the Bells and the Lower School Choir’s rendition of Rutter’s Angels Carol was beautiful. The Sixth Form Singers’ performance of Macmillan’s O Radiant Dawn demonstrated superb ensemble skills, with pinpoint intonation and sublime vocal tones.

The magnificent Symphony Orchestra gave an exciting performance of Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival and the service concluded with a majestic performance of Widor’s Toccata given by the combined forces of organ and Symphony Orchestra as the Senior Choir processed from the Minster. The audience then united in a prolonged standing ovation, showing their appreciation of our wonderful musicians. Merry Christmas!