On 15 December, a dark and rainy night, parents, staff and other friends of the College congregated in the magnificent and historic surroundings of the Royal Memorial Chapel at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, for an uplifting service of Nine Lessons and Carols, directed and performed by the College Music Department.
This festive musical celebration is one of the few occasions in the year where the entire College community is invited to come together and this year we were able to hold the event in such splendid surroundings by kind permission of Colonel Waymouth.
The evening was a fitting climax to a very busy and successful year for the Music Department, following the many concerts and trips, a highlight of which was a performance by the Chamber Choir in St Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
Traditional carols such as “Once in royal David’s city” and “Hark! The herald angels sing” (which brought the evening to a rousing close) were blended beautifully with less well known and newer works including Illuminare Jerusalem, by Maeve McCarthy, a former student now in her second year at The Royal College of Music, which was commissioned specially by the College for the occasion.
Amongst over 700 people at the Service were:
Principal Simon Jarvis, who read the Ninth Lesson, commented “The College Choir's Service of Nine Lessons and Carols was a beautiful event, which rightly signalled the start of Christmas. It was a fantastic programme performed in an awe inspiring venue - especially poignant when you think that 100 years ago, almost to the day, the Christmas truce and Silent Night rang out over northern France. All around the Chapel were the names of young men, many about the same age as those students in the Choir, who had lost their lives.
I was delighted that the Mayor of Rushmoor joined us for such a gorgeous evening of sacred music and words, featuring glorious young voices lifting the spirits high into the Chapel roof. The Music Department and all the members of the Choral Society and Chamber Choir, directed by Harry White, can be proud of this lovely evening, enjoyed by all fortunate to be present.”
Harry White, Curriculum Manager Music said “Tonight was another astonishing achievement by the College's musicians. It was appropriate, after an incredibly busy term, for the College community to come together in this way and celebrate the beginning of the festive season. To have the opportunity to do this in such an exclusive space as the Royal Memorial Chapel was indeed a privilege. Choral Society and Chamber Choir boast over 130 students between them, from across the College. The students' astonishing musicianship was a fitting tribute to the space and to reach such heights, in such a short space of time, was remarkable. They are an inspiring presence and we are so very proud of what they have accomplished.”
Reverend Michael Parker, CF, Senior Chaplain at the Royal Memorial Chapel said “The singing was exquisite."
Vanessa Bell a first year music student commented “The Royal Memorial Chapel at Sandhurst was a beautiful venue to sing in and it was lovely to see all the hard work we've put in over the past few months pay off. Everyone I spoke to really enjoyed it and it was a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas and the end of the year."
A special thanks to the Lyons Clubs of Farnborough and Yateley for helping with the stewarding.
