Something different for Christmas

As Singers chairman John Palmer says, Bach and the Messiah are still tremendously popular at Christmas.

“But it is rather nice to be offering something different!” - which is exactly what they will do at their Christmas concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 17 at St George’s Church, Whyke.

“The first half features The Star of Bethlehem by the 19th-century composer Joseph Rheinberger – lovely melodic lines and scrumptious harmonies guaranteed.

“Rheinberger was a contemporary of Brahms and Mendelssohn, and in his time he was quite well known in Germany - and Europe. But a bit like Mendelssohn, he went into obscurity. But unlike Mendelssohn, he has remained fairly unknown.”

John came across him while searching for something different for Christmas.

After mulled wine and mince pies during the interval, the second half of the concert will offer a variety of old and new seasonal music, including some well-known carols for audience participation.

The Christmas concert comes at a good time for the St Richard Singers who are currently enjoying a successful season which runs through until the summer.

“We follow the school year for our seasons - because of so many people associated with teaching in the choir.”

The choir is in good heart, with numbers up, currently more than 40, a level which offers plenty of cover for times when people are away.

“It’s a very jolly social choir,” John said. “We take the music seriously, but we all do it because we enjoy it.”

Tickets £10 (including festive refreshments) are available from Bastows Classics in North Street, members of the Choir, or at the door on the night.