Quirister Concert Review – Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols
Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols is a beloved piece in the choral repertoire, often associated with the festive season. The Quiristers, accompanied by harpist Hayley Wild, gave a performance of this work on the 23rd of January in the College Chapel.
The work is structured in 11 movements, ranging from buoyant pieces like “Wolcum Yole” to the more serene and moving “Balulalow.” Britten’s use of dissonance and unexpected chord progressions brings a fresh, compelling quality to the music, setting it apart from more traditional carols.
The audience was treated to some wonderful singing by the Quiristers, whose voices blended beautifully with the delicate harp accompaniment by Hayley Wild. The performance was directed expertly by Dónal McCann, ensuring a polished presentation. Several boys had the opportunity to sing solos, with younger voices stepping up to the challenge admirably—special mention to Harry and Casper for their excellent performances and to Timothy for his beautiful solo.
The varied nature of the movements allowed the boys' voices to shine, and the blend of the choir and harp created a truly memorable experience for all.
Kamala Dhital
Q Parent
