Saturday 4 December 2021 at 7:30pm
Sherborne Abbey

Our first concert for two years!

We can’t wait to be performing in public and in the wonderful setting of Sherborne Abbey after such a long enforced break. We’re looking forward to welcoming our loyal audience back and to sharing some wonderful choral music from across the ages to celebrate Advent and the Christmas season.

Our programme ranges from the sixteenth century to the present day, with familiar and new carols to enjoy and discover, and includes the world premiere of a setting of one of the ancient Advent Antiphons by David Bednall, the second part of our commission of a complete set by David.

Arnold Bax I sing of a maiden
David Bednall Advent Antiphon O sapientia (world premiere)
Cheryl Frances-Hoad Bogoróditse Dévo
Anthony Gray Go to the Child (BBC Carol Competition finalist, 2019)
Gustav Holst, arr. Mack Wilberg In the bleak midwinter
Herbert Howells St Paul’s Magnificat & A spotless Rose
Gabriel Jackson The Christ-Child
Matthew Martin Adam lay ybounden
Mendelssohn How lovely are the messengers
Ben Parry Lighten our darkness
John McCabe I sing of a maiden
Philip Moore Magnificat
Palestrina Fuit homo missus a Deo
Trad, arr. Bob Chilcott Still, Still, Still

Conductor Paul Ellis
Organist Simon Clarkson

COVID-19

We’ve given much thought as to how best to keep both choir and audience as safe and comfortable as possible. With this in mind, we are keeping to our usual planned seating to give everyone the chance to choose where they sit, however the number of seats per row has been reduced. As usual, the first two rows of pews will be left clear, so there will be plenty of space between choir and audience. The side aisles remain unreserved, so there should be spaces available should you wish to move to a quieter spot on the night. We will of course be keeping a detailed eye on the general situation and any government guidelines that might be put in place, but we hope everything will move forward as planned.