13 December 2018
The carol concert took place in the magical setting of St Helen’s Church, complete with beautifully lit chandelier and displays of artwork created by the boys.
Rupert sang the solo in Once in Royal followed by the orchestra’s Vivace from Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and Walking in the Air. Junior Choir performed The Light Song in two parts and the Wind Band, led by Zach in Y8, played Strollathon. Y3/4 sang Te Harinui with Nikhil in Y7 on violin, then they had the audience clapping along to the Puerto Rican carol, Feliz Navidad, as did the Jazz Band’s Jingle Bells Meets Madness with Tom’s (Y8) exuberant sax solo.
Daniel in Y8 played May I (Wish You a Merry Christmas) à la Charlie Mingus on double bass and Y5/6 gave polished renditions of Torches and Love Shone Down (soloist: Josca Y6). Y7/8’s performance of Debbie’s Carol from Flanders, the story of the Christmas truce, served as a fitting commemoration to mark the centenary of the end of WW1. Boys from all year groups delivered Christmas readings with confidence and expression.
Folk Group danced while they played a jubilant I Saw Three Ships and the senior choir sang Saviour’s Day with clear diction and solid harmonies. Paul’s guitar group donned light-up Christmas hats for Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, we heard the crack of the whip and Ruairi’s (Y8) whinnying horse in Y7/8 Sleigh Ride, and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy performed on two flutes with purity of tone by Dilan and Leo in Y8. Chamber Choir sang the Spanish carol Riu Riu Chiu with wonderful clarity and the whole school joined to sing Debbie’s composition, Shepherd Boy with gusto.
