Monday 7 December 2009

The Advent of Advent

Just back from our first carol concert.

Yes, I know, it’s only 7 December and it isn’t really Christmas. But it was in the Great Hall of the University of Birmingham so any excuse really (one of the perks of having a wife who works for the University).

Sir Aston Webb’s Great Hall is a superb building, one of the finest “indoor spaces” of Birmingham and something which was intended to convey a sense of “greatness” to the then new University. It does that just as effectively today!

The University Singers (processing in by candlelight) were a joy hear, everyone was suitably uplifted by readings, a sermon, prayers and – of course! – some rousing singing.

I feel Christmassy for the first time this year.

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2 comments:

  1. Kenneth Bladon7 December 2009 at 22:46

    What did they sing? I have fond memories of their Exeter counterparts processing in to the Mint Methodist Church to sing Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" in 1977. It would have been about this weekend as well.

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  2. Ian Jelf8 December 2009 at 08:15

    They did a lot of traditional stuff (processing in by candlelight to "Once in Royal David's City" and ending with a rousing "O Come All ye Faithful").

    There were a couple of modern pieces, though, one of which, a contemplative piece set on the road to Bethlehem at sunset I found especially moving.

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