Tonight for the first time the whole family came along to watch my mum (and auntie) sing with her choir, the Alcester Singers at St Nicholas Church in Alcester. I go to most Christmas concerts and usually help my dad on the door, selling tickets. It was so wonderful to have both children with us tonight; they both did a great job of welcoming the audience and giving out programmes.
The choir sang a variety of Christmas-themed music: some traditional carols (a few of which the audience could sing along with) along with some other choral pieces. My personal favourite of the night was probably when the choir and soloist sang Oh Holy Night which is my all-time favourite carol – it was just so beautifully sung and it brought tears to my eyes.
Another piece which really stood out to me was Bethlehem Down by Peter Warlock. It is peaceful and poignant. I didn’t get any video of the music tonight but this clip below is The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge:
My favourite piece that was not a carol was the spiritual-style setting of Remember, O thou Man, arranged by Bob Chilcott. I didn’t want this one to end. The choir sang it with such feeling and the piano accompaniment was fantastic.
I have been watching my mum sing for forty years or so and I am so glad that my whole family could enjoy this annual Christmas tradition with us this year. Both children listened so earnestly and I was so proud that Austin in particular was able to concentrate and appreciate the wonderful singing.
Notes From My Day 