Palestrina by candlelight set the scene for this year's gorgeous Advent Carol Service on Sunday 27 November 2016. With readings and music in a packed Chapel, it was the perfect way to prepare for the Christmas season. This is a solemn and spirit-filled celebration for the beginning of Advent and one of our favourites of the year.
The service began in darkness with the Senior Chamber Choir singing Palestrina's beautiful Matin Responsory unaccompanied. Readings, prayers, choral music and congregational carols followed and each of the Advent candles was lit during the service. Music included In Dulci Jubilo arranged by Pearsall, Bethlehem Down by Warlock, Brewer's Magnificat, Britten's This Little Babe and O Holy Night by Adam.
The sense of occasion was enhanced by the fact that much of the service was by candlelight. The light from the candlebearers (21 of the students) shone out in the Chapel and complemented readings such as Isaiah 9: 2-7 'The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light'.
Thank you to Father Tony for officiating, to all the girls who took part by candlebearing, reading and singing, to the Music Department for the glorious music, Mr Mellor for all things technical and Miss Farmer for her meticulous planning of the whole service.