Festive Fayre 2025

A lovely welcome greeted me on entry, with friendly members of the company in formal dress, with many ladies in some sparkling dresses. It certainly presented a festive, cheery, and relaxed environment for what I learned, was their 35th Christmas concert, featuring the usual unique blend of traditional carols and other music styles.

With David Easto on the keyboard, the chorus ensemble evoked feelings of celebration and warmth, as well as poignant reflection with the opening numbers, ‘Christmas Lullaby,” and” The Lily and the Rose.” Following on, Mick and Nina charmed us with their fun duet, “Outside of that I love you,” with its playful call and response. “Candlelight Carol,” was beautifully sung by the ladies' chorus creating a perfectly blended sound that stirred emotion and memories associated with the season. This was a well thought out programme of Christmas music, which included timeless and relatable classic carols, as well as more lighthearted, upbeatsongs. Inspired and encouraged by Adrian Peakman, theMusical Director, a cohesive, impactful set of Christmas themed songs was performed to the usual high standard, and this was appreciated by all listeners. The choir performed their absolute best with refined tone, rhythm and volume led by Adrian, “Do you hear what I hear?” was just enchanting!

With Peter Smith on the keyboard, gently directing tempo and dynamics, Julian Souter delivered the Flanders and Swann song entitled,” The Spider.” Julian’s expressive tones and panache captured our attention. I loved it. Julian’s voice heldthe listeners’ attention and drew us in with this ditty. Just before the interval to the programme, when audiencemembers were invited to eat slices of cake from a wide selection of home baked delights, the chorus delivered with soaring melody, the powerful hymn,” Infant Holy.” This was followed by a rousing version of, “Masters in this hall.” Thiswas clearly well rehearsed and ably led by Adrian; singing at its best in magnificent harmony.

Following ample servings of cake, the musical entertainment recommenced with more joyous carols and ballads about love, romance, and themes of winter.

Vi conveyed the narrative in John Betjamin’s 1954 poem,” Christmas.”

It certainly prompted nostalgia, immersing our mood into thinking of the past and simpler times. Jane and Julian enlightened us further with their duet,”” To keep my love alive.” With Peter on the keyboard, it was altogether an entertaining performance. Joyful lyrics, nostalgic imagery in song and a seamless blend of individual voices merged in the choir ensemble that collectively created some mesmerising music. One fine example of this included the performance of,” The Goslings,” performed by Suzanne, Jane, Adrian, and Julian as well as,” Eli Jenkins prayer,” which was unaccompanied and so very moving. Some stand out individual performances were outstanding. Christina’s, “Never Fall in love with an elf,” was impressive. Her voice tone so pleasurable to listen to with its clarity. Sheila’sperformance of,” The Time of Snow,” was immersive, what a beautiful voice!

Well done to all, to Adrian, the MD, your love of music shone through, showing clear direction for the choir. Congratulations to David and Peter, truly collaborative partners. Thank you to the choir for creating, through a complex interplay of voices beautiful, elevating music and soulful singing. Your angelic harmonies and euphonious sound conveyed the festive spirit. Thank you, Julian, and to everyone who helped to pull it all together. It does not get more Christmassy than this. 

Thank you for inviting  me.

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