DUMFRIES Choral Society will pay homage to Good King Wenceslas at their Christmas concert.
Taking place on Monday December 23 at 7.30 pm at St John’s Church, Newall Terrace, they will perform Bob Chilcott’s beautifully lyrical “Wenceslas”. With words by Charles Bennett, British composer, Chilcott, sets to harmony the story of the Bohemian King who braves his way through winter weather to deliver alms to a poor and struggling peasant on the Feast Day of St Stephen, which equates to our modern Boxing Day.
The choir will be directed by Jamie Brand MBE and accompanied by accomplished pianist and recording artist, Katharine Durran, and former organist of Glasgow Cathedral, John R Turner, who has played a prominent musical role in many notable, national celebrations.
The solo parts will be sung by renowned soprano Lorna Anderson, and well-loved local baritone Robert Lind.
The choir will also perform Gustav Holst’s “Christmas Day” with organ accompaniment on the 150th anniversary of Holst’s birth. This delightful “Choral Fantasy on Old Carols” interweaves musical themes from a number of familiar carols.
There will be a selection of other traditional Christmas carols and a chance for the audience to raise the lofty roof at St John’s during three community carols before retiring to the hall for some reviving refreshments.
The Choral is fundraising through Advent for Alzheimer Scotland, in conjunction with the local centre at Gordon St, Dumfries and in memory of a longstanding and dedicated choir member who passed away in 2024. There will be a chance to make a donation to this charity on the evening.
Tickets for the event cost £12 (students £5, children free) and are available at the Midsteeple and at the door on the night (cash or BACS only).
Meanwhile, anyone interested in joining the Choral for the spring concert in March is welcome to e-mail the secretary at [email protected].
