We were triply indebted to the Mickleham Choral Society during Christmas 2021. First, they provided us with a much-needed dose of seasonal normality after nearly two years of pandemic disruption: they brought us belatedly together once more to celebrate a traditional village event. Second, they pulled off this concert with an under-strength choir and on the back of only four rehearsals, a notable feat in its own right. And third, it was a concert carefully planned to minimise any risks of the spread of infection. Many thanks to all those who contributed to making this significant – even therapeutic – concert possible.
The concert got underway with the choir giving a subtle rendering of Illa Lucem. This was followed by The First Noel, during which the choir was boosted by an audience restricted in number but not in enthusiasm. The choir then sang Sing Lullaby and Count the Stars before making way for Mike Benson, who gave the first of a trio of light and entertaining readings on Christmas themes; the second and third were given by Jilly Aarvold and the well-practiced double-act of Tracy and David Kennington respectively. I saw Three Ships invited audience participation before the choir sang both Candlelight Carol and Suo Gan.
O Little Town of Bethlehem again saw the audience in full voice. This was followed by A Cry In The Night, where the choir was joined by excellent soprano soloist Gracie Osborne Taylor. The choir then sang Carol of the Bells and Alleluia, Alleluia. The tempo was notably increased with the choir’s exuberant rendering of Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree prior to their version of It’s The Most Wonderful Time. The finale appropriately combined choir and audience once more, this time with White Christmas.
The community’s special hanks go to Juliet Hornby, the Musical Director of the Mickleham Choral Society, to piano/accompanist Judith Flint, soloist Gracie Osborne Taylor, flautist Helen Birchmore, who augmented the choir’s performance with her playing, and all those who worked in the background to make the event a charming interlude to conclude a less than charming year in many people’s lives. Bravo the Mickleham Choral Society!
Graham Scambler