A Christmas Celebration
Organ: Philip Scriven
Woodward (arr): Up! good Christen Folk
Audience Carol: Unto us is born a Son
Willcocks (arr): Sussex Carol
Nigel Short: Away in a Manger
READING
Carl Rütti: Three Carols - I wonder as I wander, O little town of Bethlehem, My dancing day
Daquin: Noel X (Organ Solo)
Javi Busto: Ave Maria
Wood (arr): Ding Dong
Audience Carol: O Come, all ye faithful
INTERVAL
JS Bach: Jauchzet, Frohlocket (From Christmas Oratorio) READING
Trad: Coventry Carol
Malcolm Archer: Coventry Carol
Vierne: Finale from Symphonie. no. 1 (Organ Solo) Audience Carol: In the bleak midwinter
Shaw (arr): Lute-book lullaby
Jacques (arr): Angels from the realms of glory Malcolm Sargent: Cowboy Carol
Audience Carol: Hark the Herald
Waverley Singers' Christmas concert is always an enjoyable occasion - the programme comprises Carols for audience and a varied selection of choir carols and readings
Reviews
"Waverly Singers produce festive treats"
The following review appeared in the Farnham Herald after the concert:
An enthusiastic audience braved the wintry weather for the Waverley Singers Christmas celebration at Saint Andrew’s Church. They were joined by the Mayors of Farnham and Waverley, and all enjoyed a programme which included traditional favourites and some less known festive treats.
Richard Pearce had the choir at his fingertips, and his excellent direction brought out a wide range of styles and expression. Solos were beautifully sung by Sarah Burnie (Away in a Manger) and Alyson Paterson, Robert Gussman, and Les Billig (The Coventry Carol). Philip Scriven accompanied the choir with his characteristic passion and accomplishment, and shone especially in his two French solo pieces
The second half of the concert began with the blaze of excitement that is Jauchzet Frohlocket from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and Philip Scriven was, as ever, note perfect in this famously challenging organ transcription. Dennis Flower, former choir member, recreated the Cratchits’ festive lunch from Dickens A Christmas Carol, and Joan Warren gave John Julius Norwich’s whimsical take on the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Choir member Alan Thompson appealed to the audience on behalf of Home-Start Waverley, highlighting that even in an apparently prosperous place like Waverly, there are areas of deprivation and desperate difficulty. The audience joined in the Christmas spirit and a retiring collection raised £548.42 for the charity.
The Waverley Singers’ next concert is on March 23.
Gallery
Youtube