Triumph in last minute change

Pangbourne Choral Society concert

St James the Less Church, Pangbourne

Saturday, December 13

WHAT a show this was, a celebration of Christmas old and new, religious and secular.

As in previous years, this performance was a concert, not a formal carol service. The readings ranged from a rare poem by JRR Tolkien (Noel), an extract of Handel’s Messiah, and a witty reading of The Twelve Days of Christmas chronicling the days of recycled turkey mealtime offerings.

There were traditional carols including Good King Wenceslas, See Amid the Winter’s Snow and a particularly moving rendition of In the Bleak Midwinter, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, plus Rutter’s Angels’ Carol and Shepherd’s Pipe Carol.

But then there were some little-known but thoroughly delightful works: This Endris Night (a 15th century carol, replete with volunteer handbell-ringers), and The Carol of the Bells, sung by a small breakout choir, who also performed Christmas Shopping Blues, supported by a great blues trumpeter (George Scurr). We also had sleigh bells in Sleigh Ride by Parish and Anderson.

This was delivered to a high standard, expertly directed by maestro, Sara Benbow, with accompaniment by Liz Collins (piano) and Jeremy Wan (organ).

Fundraising was unimpaired by the sudden venue change, a tribute to all those involved.

Peter Hayward