It’s been a busy week for the singers, parents, conductors, accompanists and volunteers of Farnham Youth Choir!
The combined choirs of Farnham Youth Choir
On Wednesday, 4th December FYC’s Senior Choir performed in Farnham Town Council’s annual Civic Christmas Carol Service, hosted by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Brodie Mauluka. The service began with Once In Royal David’s City including the traditional treble solo verse beautifully sung by Max Wilson. In addition to the readings and audience carols, the varied programme included ‘Wolcum Yole’ from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, the much-loved Carol of the Bells, a great new arrangement of Gaudete by FYC alum Suzzi Vango and Errollyn Wallen’s haunting Peace On Earth. The choir, who were expertly led by their Artistic Director Patrick Barrett and accompanied on the piano and organ by Matthew Rickard, were delighted to receive compliments from the Mayor and audience on their impeccable performances.
Next up was the gala concert featuring all three FYC choirs - Training Choir, Junior Choir and Senior Choir - on Saturday 7th December at the Medici Theatre, Weydon School. The packed house was treated to brilliant performances by Junior Choir, conducted by Margaret O’Shea and accompanied by Susan Norman, of the evocative songs The Bat and The Firefly by Andy Beck as well as an extremely joyful rendition of Oh Come All Ye Faithful arranged by Masa Fukuda.
Junior Choir
FYC’s Training Choir, conducted on this occasion by Sally Hollyer, were not to be outdone and their performance of A New Star was equally joyful, followed by two slower and atmospheric songs about snow, with an impressive performance in Italian of the carol Dormi, Dormi to finish their set. The singing was interspersed with readings by young people and adults in keeping with the concert’s theme of ‘Peace on Earth’. One of the many highlights of the evening was John Williams’ Somewhere In My Memory (from the film Home Alone) sung by the combined choirs, followed by an exuberant rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas with actions, to round off an evening of high-quality music-making.
Training Choir
The final performance of the Christmas season was given by the Senior Choir on Monday, 9th December at Farnham Castle. This event, for invited guests including the Mayor of Farnham, raised money for The Vine Centre who support adults and families that are socially isolated, long-term unemployed, homeless or poorly housed, suffering with mental health, addiction or learning difficulties. Derek Carpenter, Chair of Farnham Castle Charity & Trust, said:
The good the FYC does for our community goes a lot deeper than simply a happy smiling audience on the night. A lot of disadvantaged people will benefit indirectly, and for some time, from the choir’s wonderful performance.
We wish all our singers, families and supporters a wonderful Christmas and peaceful New Year.
