We returned to the medieval splendour of Temple Church for our 2025 Carol Concert. As ever, the voices of the choir, conducted by William Dawes, Director of Chapel Music, and the music of organists, Alfred Kelsey and William Morrison, were truly sublime.
The concert opened with Gitanjali Chants and then with choir and congregation singing Once In Royal David*s City. Choral works ranged from the well-known The Holly and the Ivy to the 19th century Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening and a splendidly lively setting of the 15th century Nova Nova. We all joined in to sing the more traditional carolsThe First Noel and O Little Town of Bethlehem. Readings were poems and texts on the theme of Christmas by Somervillians Winifred Holtby, Rose Macaulay, Dorothy L Sayers, Julian Elizabeth McMaster Harvey and Lucy M Boston.
The final carol was O Come All Ye Faithful, after which we adjourned for drinks, nibbles and chat in the Round of the Church.
Our thanks to our readers, to the Principal for her Welcome and Closing words and to the choir, organists and Will Dawes.