On a cold December evening Somervillians and guests gathered in, and filled, the magnificent high gothic church of All Saints, Margaret Street in the West End for the London Group’s annual carol concert.
To start, the music of JS Bach and John Ireland played by the college’s Organ Scholars, and then the carols. The choir, led by Will Dawes (Director of Chapel Music), sang works both traditional (‘There Is No Rose’, ‘Venite’, ‘Gaudete!’) and modern (‘Refugee’); the congregation joined in some well-known favourites: ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and to close, ‘All Come All Ye Faithful’. Readings on the theme of Christmas night included ‘Nativity’ by John Donne, ‘BC:AD’ by Ursula Fanthorpe and extracts from Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales and alumna Lucy Boston’s The Children of Green Knowe.
The evening ended with more organ music and then wine, mince pies and socialising in the splendour of the church.
Our thanks to Will Dawes, the choir and organ scholars, to all in the Alumni office and to All Saints church.
