Christmas magic!
The cathedral looked resplendent as people arrived for the YPC Christmas concert. The atmosphere was buzzing as both choir and audience were anticipating an evening of the best of festive music.
Thom Meredith had created an inspired and exciting programme of familiar traditional and contemporary carols which were well received by the capacity audience, including our Hon. President The Archbishop of York.
The choir showed great versatility in vocal style, dynamics and interpretation. Bob Chilcott’s Mid-winter and Will Todd’s My Lord has come with their warm harmonies and beautiful melodies were performed with such poignancy and sensitivity. In contrast, the ever popular Sir Christemas by William Mathias and Jonathan Willcocks’ Wassail were vibrant and full of festive cheer.
Alex Woodrow was very active, whizzing from piano to organ and back throughout the concert, supporting the choir so brilliantly with his superb accompaniment.
YPC has members of all ages and it was a pleasure to see some of the younger members being given the opportunity to share their talents and perform solos to the delight of a very appreciative audience. A surprise solo from Thom with Sterndale Bennett’s The Carol Singers led to more smiles and laughter capturing the relaxed, informal atmosphere of this evening of festive music.
Of course, no Christmas concert is complete without a brass ensemble to add that special touch of magic and sparkle to the evening and the brass quintet held both choir and audience spellbound with their performances. Indeed, Goff Richard’s wonderful medley of Christmas songs A Merry Little Christmas beautifully combined the talents of the brass quintet and the voices of the choir in what was a perfect ending to a superb evening.
Thank you to all involved and all who supported the evening.
Our next concert is on Saturday 16th March 2024 at Wakefield Cathedral, 7pm - Seven Last Words from the Cross (Paul Carr) and Solemn Vespers (Mozart).
