In less than two weeks, Finchley Chamber Choir and Finchley Symphony Orchestra will present our annual Glory of Christmas concert – a celebration of seasonal music from across the centuries with carols for all to sing. We’ve been putting on a concert to mark the start of the festivities for several years now and it’s one that many of our members, of diverse faiths and none, particularly look forward to.
We asked our choir members which pieces they were most excited to sing in this year’s concert and why, and the results are in!
“I love carols from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods, like Gaudete and Hodie Christus natus est by Sweelinck”, says Barbara. “I love the energy that comes from changing rhythmical patterns. Cecilia McDowall’s carol, Now may we singen, has the same kind of energy and so I’m really glad to have the opportunity to learn it”. Rupert is also looking forward to performing this carol by FCC’s honorary patron – “We haven’t done it before, and it looks exciting and fun”, he says.
Other singers are in more reflective mood. “I’m very much one for pensive Christmas carols – ones with a darker mood. So my favourite this year is Tarney’s The Wise Men and the Star, as it takes a text which is a narrative of hopeful travelling and searching but matches it with a more sombre and reflective musical framing”, Sarah explains. (This piece by Tarney is very popular with our alto section – some of whom bought copies of the score for us last year.) Meanwhile Claudia is eager to sing Berlioz’s Shepherds’ Farewell: “The melody and harmonies are so beautiful and the line about ‘God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild’ always moves me as it brings to mind the countless innocent families around the world struggling to find safety and shelter at any given time.”
Hearing and performing Christmas music can be a profoundly nostalgic experience. “I particularly enjoy the absolute joyfulness in Bach’s opening chorus from his Christmas Oratorio and that most definitely includes the orchestral part alongside the vocal parts”, remembers Chris. “It brings back memories of singing this with another conductor many years ago now, who conveyed his enthusiasm and delight for this dance-like movement. The choir responded with a wonderful celebratory performance when singing this with baroque instruments and superb natural trumpet players. A very special memory!”
We’re also looking forward to hearing orchestral favourites from Finchley Symphony Orchestra. Johann Strauss’s Radetzky March and Khachaturian’s Waltz from Masquerade will bring a flavour of the famous Viennese New Year’s Day concerts, contrasting with excerpts from Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and a meditative extract from Massenet’s Thais.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet will be in attendance, and with mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas biscuits available in the interval, this promises to be a particularly joyous event. You’ll be welcome to join us at 7:30pm on Saturday 13 December at Trinity Church, Nether Street, North Finchley N12 7NN. Tickets are available online (and are cheaper) in advance. Come and join us if you can!