Tidings of Great Joy
St John's Church, High Street, Glastonbury BA6 9DR
An uplifting concert in celebration of Advent! Virtuoso organist Shean Bowers, and Jean Kelly, one of the UK’s most gifted professional harpists, performed solos and accompanied the choir in this concert of beautiful seasonal music from across the centuries. From Renaissance polyphony by Victoria, to modern-day classics by Carl Rütti and Bob Chilcott, and a beguiling arrangement of The Angel Gabriel by Stephen Paulus, these were just a few of the musical gifts on offer, so hopefully something for everyone to enjoy. As well as a small selection of compelling narrations pertaining to the time of year read by children's author and poet Dr Mick Gowar, there was also the opportunity for everyone to join with the choir in singing two well-known Advent hymns.
Our concert coincided with the launch in the church of Glastonbury's Christmas Tree Festival. This annual event, which has been running since 2009, saw local schools, churches, businesses, charities and individuals donating for a tree, then decorating it to their own theme - dozens of trees were decorated and lit, providing a spectacular display!
ANON (C16TH) Rejoice in the Lord Alway
ANDREW CARTER Angelus ad Virginem
BOB CHILCOTT The Shepherd’s Carol
MANZ E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come
MATTHEW MARTIN Nowell, Sing We
MENDELSSOHN There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth
PAULUS Gabriel’s Message
JOHN RUTTER What Sweeter Music; A Ukrainian Prayer
CARL RUTTI I Wonder as I Wander; My Dancing Day
VICTORIA O Magnum Mysterium
Hymns: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Of the Father’s Heart Begotten
Interspersed with seasonal readings and poems, and carol arrangements for Pedal Harp, Irish-lever Harp, Gothic Harp and Organ
SOMERSET CHAMBER CHOIR
Shean Bowers Organ
*Graeme Ryan Narrator
Jean Kelly Pedal harp, Irish-lever harp, Gothic harp
Richard Laing Conductor
* We were very grateful to Graeme Ryan for standing in at short notice for Mick Gowar who was indisposed
