Our Christmas concert this year allows us to continue our exploration of music with choir and harp. We will be joined by XXXXX our favourite harpist and also by a small string ensemble to perform "In Terra Pax" by Finzi and "Ave Maris Stella" by Cecilia McDowall

Gerald Finzi wrote this expressive piece in 1954 just two years before he died. It takes some words of Robert Bridges (sung by a baritone soloist) and the familiar Christmas passage from St Luke's Gospel (set for a soprano soloist and chorus). With serene style, the work unites all its feelings, images and familiar events into one musical narrative. We will perform the version for strings, harp, soloists and choir

Cecilia McDowall was born in London in 1951 and is a prolific composer. Ave Maris Stella is written for soprano solo, mixed chorus and string orchestra and consists of seven short sections; the whole piece revolves around the tempestuous central section. The first and final parts of the piece use the ancient Latin antiphon Ave Maris Stella, while the more turbulent central section uses words from Psalm 106. There are two beautiful recitatives for solo soprano, using the words of Psalm 26, The Lord is my Light.

In the second half of the concert we will sing some well loved Christmas music, read some seasonal words and join with you, the audience, in singing well known carols.

Come and get yourselves into the Christmas spirit at this popular annual event. Children are very welcome and we look forward to seeing you.

Tickets from m_e_pugh@yahoo.co.uk

Or by phone at :

01761 232042