The haunting melody of the soloist in the opening verse of “Once in Royal David’s City” is, for me, the signal that Christmas is really on its way. I have been coming to Prince Henry’s carol concerts since 2006 and, on each occasion, I go home feeling uplifted.
The format works well with a more sombre first half and a lighter second half. It would be unfair to single out any one person or group, but just to say that all the soloists were superb and the ever-expanding Barbershop group is always a highlight.
As Dr Evans said in his speech at the end, it’s the hottest ticket in Worcestershire. There wasn’t a single spare seat in the house and tickets were very much in demand. Amongst the audience were four Old Henricians who started at the school more than 70 years ago: Pat Goldstraw (née Barnard), Bob Davies, Pixie Keyte (née Harrison) and Pat Chilver (née Dyke), some of whose children and grandchildren have attended the school. Pat Goldstraw said that it brought back memories of the wonderful carol concerts of her own schooldays, held in the old school hall.
The 2015 carol concert was yet another triumph for Mr Bullas and his team: Miss Heywood, Mr Painter, Mr Fisher and Mr Brierley. It was very evident from the evening that all those on stage were very much enjoying participating in the event. As Mr Bullas wrote in the programme: “I am sure you will agree that the experience the students gain from live performance will stay with them for a life time.” For the four old Henricians who attended on Wednesday, their experience of live music at Prince Henry’s in the 1940s has obviously stayed with them a life time and they felt very privileged to return to their old school.
The enduring timelessness of the traditional carol concert has not lost its appeal over the decades – and Prince Henry’s puts on a particularly fine performance. It would be lovely to think that, in 70 years’ time, a few of today’s Henricians might return to their old school to listen to an equally moving Christmas carol concert.
Merry Christmas everyone on behalf of all the Governors at Prince Henry’s.
Maureen Spinks
Community Governor
18th December 2015
You must be logged in to post a comment.