Traditional carol concert marks start of Christmas season at St. Mary’s College

16 Dec 2024

St. Mary’s College marked the start of the Christmas season in traditional fashion recently with its annual carol concert at a local church.

Students, staff and their families gathered at a packed SS Peter and Paul Church on Liverpool Road to enjoy the service which has long been a highlight of the school’s festive calendar.

The atmospheric concert in the 130-year-old building featured a wide-ranging selection of readings, carols and instrumental and choral performances co-ordinated by the College’s Director of Music Andrew Byers, assisted by Music Teacher Colin Johnston and School Chaplain Anne-Marie Engelbrecht.

As usual the evening 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 programme ranged from Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers (from the Nutcracker Suite) and Torches by John Joubert, to Star of Bethlehem by John Williams and It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, made famous in the 1960s by Andy Williams.

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

Looking back at the concert Music Director Andrew Byers said: “I’d like to say a special ‘thank you’ to all the students who took part for their unstinting and enthusiastic commitment this term.

“They are always willing and ready to take on each new challenge and in doing so have proved themselves to be outstanding ambassadors for St. Mary’s.”

College Principal, Mike Kennedy, added: “The carol concert has always been one of our most popular events with families and it was very gratifying to see that once again the church was full to the rafters for this year’s event.

“Audience members were treated to a string of excellent performances during the course of the evening which was, as always, a fabulous way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”