Favourites such as Michael Tippett’s arrangement of Go Down, Moses were included, and new music by Kerensa Briggs (A Tender Shoot), as well as the fantastic descants of O come, O come, Emmanuel and Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending.

Our first-year dubbed Choristers have been tasked with the important job of lighting the candle on the Advent wreath at services this week. Austin S, Freddie W and Seb W have each had a turn so far, with Edward D and Elliot N taking this ‘star role’ in the next few days.

The Christmas descants were given their first airing at the Adjutant General’s Corps Service on Tuesday 29 November as the Choristers took part in their first carol service of the season. The service began in darkness with a spectacularly choreographed performance by the Corps of Drums of the Royal Logistic Corps with light-tipped drumsticks. Well done to all!

Congratulations to all Choristers who have recently taken music exams. We know that lots of hard work goes into preparing for an exam, so these successes are thoroughly deserved.

Last night the Choristers sang beautifully at the event to mark the switching on of the Winchester Cathedral Christmas tree lights – a lovely start to the Christmas period and the boys looked angelic as ever!

Dates for the diary:

CHORAL FOUNDATION CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Join us at 7pm on Thursday 15 December for an evening of spectacular music from the whole Choral Foundation, with readings from comedian Hugh Dennis and husband-and-wife duo Charles Collingwood and Judy Bennett (Brian Aldridge and Shula Hebden Lloyd in The Archers. Book your tickets here.

BRITTEN’S A CEREMONY OF CAROLS
Wednesday 21 December at 4pm will see the annual performance of Benjamin Britten’s stunning A Ceremony of Carols. This year, the Boy and Girl Choristers will be joined by Principal Harpist of the BBC Concert Orchestra, Anne Denholm, formerly Official Harpist to King Charles when he was Prince of Wales. Book your tickets here.

Caro Ferguson
Choral Foundation Administrator
choirs@winchester-cathedral.org.uk