A Candlelight Christmas Concert

A Candlelight Christmas was the title of the Pilgrim Singers' concert in Wincanton Baptist Chapel on Saturday 14th December. A handsome building unadorned by stained glass or other decoration in true reformed style, it was nevertheless transformed for the occasion with an array of lighted candles which suffused the gathered audience in a warm seasonal glow.

Starting with Sheila Kitts and Jane Fenton giving us a startlingly strong version of Prepare ye the Way and Day by Day from Godspell, the whole choir came alive for a fine programme which mixed whole choir singing with solos, readings and a touch of drama.

The two soloists, Harriet Bultitude who is still at school in Gillingham and Camilla Foster-Mitchell, who has just started a career in teaching, both have wonderful pure voices and the capacity to handle Ireland, Gruber, Dvorjak, Cooke and yes, Handel with deceptive ease. Listening to them was wonderful and their presence I am sure lifted the performance of the whole choir to new heights.

Graham Stride read movingly from Cider with Rosie and Christopher Fenton in reading Carol Ann Duffy's poem Bethlehem revealed a different aspect of the Poet Laureate's work, while Lisa Large's dramatic interlude further brightened the proceedings. Planned and conducted by Jane Fenton and beautifully accompanied by Sophie Ellis it all added up to a wonderful evening.

During the interval everyone gathered in the hall for an excellent spread donated by choir members and everyone had a chance to meet up with old friends and all who had come. All the takings from ticket sales were divided between the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance and Riding for the Disabled.

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