Waverley Singers

Christmas Concert

The following review was contributed to the Farnham Herald by Max Hadfield; we do not know whether it was published, and if so, when.

The Waverley Singers gave their annual Christmas concert at Saint Mary’s Church, Alton, on Saturday 19th December. This attractive, modern church “in the round” provided ideal acoustics and close rapport with the audience to which both the choir and soloists responded with enthusiasm.

The major work of the evening was Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, sung in its original version by the sopranos and altos, accompanied by a solo harp. Set between the plainsong introit and recession, the pieces allowed the choir to show both its fine control and its sensitivity. The dance rhythms and wide dynamics of “Wolcum Yule” were contrasted with a tender and gentle “There Is No Rose”. Excellent soloists from the choir sang "The Yonge Childe" and "Balalulow".

We were privileged to have as a guest the distinguished harpist Sioned Williams. Welsh women and angels both claim the harp as their own instrument. The Interlude and accompaniment to the Britten were indeed heavenly. A harp solo, Impromptu-Caprice by the French composer Gabriel Pierne, followed. This was musicianship of the highest order, sensuous, romantic, mysterious, caressing the instrument, with the personality of the performer shining through the music. Another harp solo, Variations on a French Carol, neatly followed the choir’s Noel Nouvelet, a setting of the same ancient French carol theme.

“Ave Maris Stella” from Monteverdi’s Vespers, with its stately opening and rich harmonies, was given a confident, well balanced, performance, with choir discipline noticeably good. The Waverleys have seldom sung better.

Paul Griffiths, an organ pupil of Malcolm Hicks the conductor, accompanied the concert and provided a solo. Bonnet’s Variations de Concert showed startling virtuosity on the pedals in the course of an immaculate performance.

The audience and friends of the Waverley Singers joined wholeheartedly in the communal carols and thanks must go to the parishioners of St. Mary’s for their hospitality in this fine celebration of Christmas music.