Advent Concert and Carol Services mark term’s end

As the Michaelmas Term draws to a close, the School gathered in the Chapel for two beautifully contrasting events last weekend.

On Friday evening, the Advent Concert showcased a wide range of ensembles, including the Concert Band, Vengerov Quartet, Junior Strings, School Orchestra and the Percussion Ensemble, in a programme that embraced the traditional alongside popular classics. Energetic renditions of Africa and Dancing Queen sat alongside Trepak from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and a suite from Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. The School Orchestra continued the operatic theme with works by Mascagni and Johann Strauss II, before bringing the evening to a suitably festive and light-hearted close with a performance of Sleigh Ride.

Sunday’s Carol Services, our Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, held at both 4pm and 7pm in the Chapel, continued the celebrations in a more reflective way. This traditional service tells the story of the Fall and Redemption of the world through readings from Scripture and the singing of carols. Once in Royal David’s City opened the candlelit service, which was structured around readings by representatives from across the School community. These were punctuated by a poignant selection of carols from the Chapel Choir and hymns for the whole congregation, culminating in a joyous rendition of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.