Carol concert heralds start of the festive season at St. Mary’s College

13 Dec 2022

St. Mary’s College heralded the start of the Christmas season by holding its traditional carol concert recently.

Staff, pupils and their families gathered at SS Peter and Paul Church to enjoy the atmospheric service in the 120-year-old building, the first time they were able to do so since 2019.

The Message of Christmas concert featured a selection of readings, carols and instrumental and choral performances co-ordinated by the school’s Director of Music, Andrew Byers, assisted by Music Teacher Colin Johnston and Head of Religious Studies Kate Gavin.

The programme included both traditional songs and more modern festive favourites, with contributions from the school’s Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Choir and Lower School Choir.

Highlights of this year’s concert included Amelia Orford’s solo performance during Once in Royal David’s City.

At the end of the service the evening continued in festive fashion with the serving of mulled wine and mince pies back at the school.

St. Mary’s College Principal, Mike Kennedy, commented: “The carol concert has traditionally been a very popular event with families, and a really enjoyable way to mark the start of the Christmas season.

“So, after a three-year break because of the pandemic, it was good to be able to stage the event again, and it was definitely very much worth the wait thanks to the many excellent performances from students during the evening.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the pupils and staff whose hard work and talent helped to make the service such a first-class musical evening, and wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful new year.”