Choir Makes Merry

'Highland Post' Article written by Margaret Symonds

December 2010

Glorious voices, jingling bells, a tambourine, a flute and a violin led the audience through centuries of music celebrating Christmas in Serendipity: the choir's 'Sing Noel' concert last Saturday at the Bowral Uniting Church Hall.

Composers featured included Parry, Stopford, Rutter and Britten. The Music Director was Kerith Fowles and the accompanist Ann Clipsham, while the guest artists were violinist Allan Rooke and flautist April Butcher.

The style of the music ranged from the serenity and controlled presentation of Stainer's 'How Beautiful Upon the Mountain' and the spell-binding 'As Dew in Aprille' through a magic arrangement of 'Stille Nacht', to the fun of 'Fum, Fum, Fum' and 'Hay Ay' which has a note from the composer saying it is to be performed viace con spirito.

Rutter's 'Shepherds Pipe Carol' with the flute appearing as another voice, in a difficult and beautiful arrangement, was a highlight of the concert.

The choir gave a joyful, vital presentation of 'A Child is Born in Bethlehem' with its wonderful, sudden key and mood change, of 'Welcome Yule' which accelerates to a fun-seeking, laughter-filled conclusion, and the magnificent setting of 'In Dulchi Jubilo' with the impressive division of the singers into two choirs.

Two traditional carols were sung by the audience, the light-hearted and unusual arrangement of 'Jingle Bells' surprised and delighted everyone, and the gospel spiritual 'Rise and Shine' brought the concert to a rousing I-want-to-get-up-and-dance conclusion.

The concert, full of fun, energy and celebration, will be repeated at the Bundanoon Hall on Saturday December 18, at 4pm.