PUBLISHED 19 December 2024
This year’s public Carol Service took place on Wednesday 18th December, at St Thomas’ Church, which provided a stunning backdrop for a celebration of music and scripture. The service brought together our alumni, staff, students, and families in a truly special evening.
The service began with a beautiful solo performance of Once in Royal David’s City by Year 6 pupil Maisie F. Other standout performances included The Light of Christmas Morn by Sarah Hart, performed as a duet by Jess A (Year 13) and Eve C (Year 12), and The Prayer by Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster, sung by Henry C (Year 10) and Sammy C (Year 13). A spellbinding solo performance of Where Are You, Christmas? by James Horner was delivered by Elena B (Year 7), while the Instrumental Ensemble brought energy to the evening with their rendition of Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson.
A dramatised reading of A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore added a charming narrative touch to the evening.
The Prep School Chamber Choir performed Walking in the Air by Howard Blake, with a solo by George B (Year 6). The Senior Choir delighted the audience with There Is Faint Music by Dan Forrest, Christmas Lullaby by John Rutter, and Somewhere in My Memory by John Williams. They also presented a moving medley of What a Beautiful Name/Agnus Dei by Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood, and Michael W. Smith, featuring Maisie M (Year 11) as the soloist. The Senior School Chamber Choir performed The First Noel arranged by Dan Forrest, Carol of the Bells by M. Leontovich, and a vibrant rendition of Deck the Halls.
The congregation joined in singing traditional carols, including Once in Royal David’s City, Silent Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and O Come, All Ye Faithful.
Our sincere thanks go to St Thomas’ Church, Reverend Canon Michael Manley, all our readers and the outstanding Performing Arts department for creating such a magical evening to celebrate the season.