Coming towards the end of what is usually a very long term, the Advent Carol Service is always an occasion for contemplation: the beauty of the chapel enhanced not only by the magical effect of candlelight, but also by the contribution of the Chapel Choir, who work tirelessly to prepare music for this service and the Carol Services at the end of term. The service began in darkness with the men of the choir singing verses of plainchant. This was simple, yet incredibly effective, and really set the tone for what was to come. The girls of the Chamber Choir sang Deo gracias, a movement from Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, and coped splendidly with the overlapping parts and complicated rhythms. Particular mention should be made of the Junior Singers, whose rendition of the originally French carol He Is Born, was sweet and melodic, and Emily Venn's flute solo beautifully complemented their voices.
Mention should also be made of Rebecca Lyles' oboe solo in the Huron Carol, sung by the chapel choir, which was played with total confidence. The highlight of the evening for many in the congregation was the Chapel Choir's performance of Morten Lauriden's O Magnum Mysterium, with its sensuous harmonies, soaring soprano lines and with the rousing hymns and superbly delivered readings adding to the fantastic musical offerings, this was certainly a service of which all involved should be proud. Huge thanks and congratulations should go to Simon Taranczuk, Ian Crabbe, Clare Toomer and all the performers.
Miss A E Thomson
Graduate Music Assistant