Midsomer Choral Society, under its Musical Director Neil Moore, were at last able to perform their Christmas Concert in St Johns Church, Midsomer Norton on 7th January.

Covid in 2020 then again in 2021 and then snow in 2022, the concert had to be cancelled on three occasions and so it was decided to re-arrange the pieces to include some for Epiphany this time. The main piece of work, the Christmas Mass by Charpentier had been thoroughly learned by the choir!

In a warm candlelit setting with mulled wine and mince pies, the audience were treated to a beautiful concert which also included Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Ralph Vaughan Williams, The Three Kings by Peter Cornelius, Nativity Carol by John Rutter and a new version of Silent Night by the choir’s own resident composer Margaret Woodley. The baritone voice of Shaun Holley enhanced many pieces with his solos and members of the audience sang several carols.

Additionally, all the choir was accompanied by a small string orchestra, Neil’s recorder and the organ played by the choir’s accompanist Alan Burgess.

The next concert, to be performed by the choir at Midsomer Norton Town Hall will take place on Friday, 31st March and will include Magnificat by John Rutter and Songs of the Fleet by Stanford.

The Choral Society has thirty five members but would welcome more. It meets to rehearse each Sunday at St Johns Church Hall at 6.45 pm and no auditions are necessary to join. Neil will be pleased to give more information: 07864 628932.

Ethne Dando