Carol Concert Heralds Start of Christmas Season at St. Mary’s College

15 Dec 2023

A traditional carol concert heralded the start of the Christmas season at St. Mary’s College recently.

Staff, pupils and their families gathered at the Victorian SS Peter and Paul Church on Liverpool Road to enjoy the service which has long been a fixture in the school’s festive calendar.

The atmospheric concert in the packed 130-year-old building 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 carols 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 Troika by Prokofiev and Trepak by Tchaikovsky, both performed by the Symphony Orchestra, John Tavener’s The Lamb which was performed by the Chamber Choir, and a Christmas Medley performed by the Lower School Choir. 

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

St. Mary’s College Principal, Mike Kennedy, commented: “The carol concert has always been an extremely popular event with our families and the church was once again full to the rafters for this year’s event.

“Audience members were treated to many excellent performances during the service which was, as always, a fabulous way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

“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 healthy and peaceful new year,” added Mr Kennedy.