Langcliffe Singers Carol Concert
St John's Church, Settle
SATURDAY saw Langcliffe Singers hold their annual carol concert at St John’s Church in Settle.
They presented a varied programme of songs and readings mixing well known carols with lesser known works, interspersed with seasonal stories and poems.
The tone was set from the off with Once in Royal David’s City and the setting in the church allowed for a very intimate atmosphere with audience close to the singers and encouraged to join in.
The choir acquitted themselves admirably delivering more complex and challenging songs with a maturity and proficiency.
The programme, with roots across the UK and Europe, included translations and arrangements of traditional Dutch, German, Polish and English carols alongside works by Britten and Rutter.
A particular highlight was Ann Burgess’ carol Comes the Light, a setting of Roger McGough’s words, that won the BBC Radio 3 Breakfast’s Carol Competition in 2015.
The evening concluded with The Twelve Days of Christmas, A Merry Christmas (Wassailer’s Carol) and a rousing rendition of O Come All Ye Faithful.
Members of St John’s Church provided welcome seasonal refreshments during the interval.
Thanks to choir, soloists, readers, musical director Nigel Waugh and accompanist Brian Heaton for an entertaining and enjoyable evening.
It was a very fine way to kick off the festive season.
Allan Evans
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