The King’s candlelit Carol Service is always a special occasion in the School calendar and this year was no exception, writes Ashley Marshfield.

With more than 500 people, including 80 in the choir stalls, crammed into St Mary’s, the singing of the congregational carols raised the roof. The choir performed two anthems. The first was  ‘For unto us a child is born’ from Handel’s Messiah. They had performed it a week or two earlier at the Royal Albert Hall, and therefore had another chance of tackling the semiquaver runs. The second was a contemporary arrangement of ‘Ding! Dong! merrily on high’ by Mack Wilberg. The latter was accompanied by Eleanor Little (U6th, Wellesley) who put the organ through its paces brilliantly! 

The chamber choir performed two carols. The first, Howells’ exquisite ‘A spotless rose’, was particularly memorable with Sam Young (U6th, Old) providing the baritone solo with distinction. The second was a beautiful arrangement of ’Silent Night’ by Barry Rose. The chamber choir performed both pieces brilliantly with beautiful blend and attention to detail. 

Well done to all involved – Happy Christmas!