Twyford Singers’ Christmas concert was a glorious blend of tender cradle songs, carols triumphantly announcing Christ’s birth and jolly, festive works.
There was a large audience at St Mary’s Church, Twyford last Saturday, Dec 13.
Musical director Helen Styles cheerily encouraged the audience to join in at many points.
The children were given shakers of small bells to accompany some of the singing.
JS Bach’s Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light and Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring gave the concert a strong start.
Highlights also included Joubert’s beautiful There Is No Rose, modern classic Star Carol by John Rutter and popular carols.
Roger Emerson’s acclaiming Ring Out The Bells was well received.
The audience enjoyed returning after the interval, encouraged by Helen Styles to join in a surprise call and response gathering song.
The choir transformed their look for the jolly Christmas songs like Twelve days of Christmas, putting on reindeer antlers and Father Christmas hats.
The singers’ talented accompanist Judith Creighton did good work on organ and piano.
Kevin Ransom on trumpet and Beth Styles on percussion added extra character and richness to the performances.
St Mary’s vicar the Rev Mark Gould thanked the choir for “a wonderful afternoon”.
The concert marked the 40th anniversary of alto singer Kathleen Cosnett’s first concert with the choir. She was choir secretary for two years and membership secretary for 25 years.
She continues as a member.
The choir invites anyone to join their practices which resume at St Mary’s Church, on Tuesday January 6, from 7.45-9.45pm.
They welcome singers of any experience.
People do not have to read music and there are no auditions.
Learning aids such as rehearsal tracks are available.
For information, visit: www.twyford-singers.org.uk
