Noel!

This hour-long programme brings together well-loved Christmas songs like Gaudete and In Dulci Jubilo, standards such as Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and contemporary carols by the likes of Judith Weir, Oliver Tarney and Alan Bullard. 

Noel! is a frequent refrain which the choir will sing in a number of different carols. One of these is an energetic new setting of a medieval text Noel, Noel, Noel  by the choir’s conductor Janet Wheeler - composed specially for this event. Unusually the text gives voice to Mary’s own ideas about mothering her child after the impending birth. This is one of two premières in the concert. The other is The Robin Carol - a beautifully reflective piece with words and music by choir member Sarah Cattley. Another composer in the choir is Andrew Bruce, whose lovely setting of There is no Rose, written for Granta Chorale a few years ago, also features in the programme. Music by Skempton and Poulenc will be performed too, and of course no carol concert would be complete without something from that quintessential Christmas composer John Rutter.

All choir members will be taking lateral flow tests within 24hrs of this performance, and it is required that audience members wear mask during the concert unless they are exempt. We kindly encourage audience members to take lateral flow tests regularly, or directly before this event - especially if they are not double vaccinated. 

Refreshments will be served after the concert and a retiring collection will support Uttlesford Foodbank.