From our Director of Music, April Holland:
This year’s Senior Carol Service was a particularly special event for me as it marked my first opportunity to conduct both the Chorister and Community Choir. Both choirs performed with incredible beauty and dedication, and I am deeply grateful to all members of the Medbury community who devoted their time to rehearsals and the performance of this cherished tradition.
The service began with our Head Chorister delivering an unaccompanied first verse of Once in Royal David’s City, setting a reverent tone as the choir processed into the cathedral. From there, the program unfolded with the reading of the Nine Lessons, congregational hymns, and performances by the Community Choir.
We were privileged to welcome back Old Medbury Boy Charlie Wood, who sang a beautiful solo of O Holy Night. It was a joy to also have three other Old Medbury Boys join the Community Choir this year, adding to the community choir that made the evening so special.
The service’s accompaniment was provided by the exceptionally talented Sea-am Thompson, a Year 13 student from St Andrew’s College, who played both the organ and piano. Joining Sea-am was our very own Year 7 student Alexander Dy, who performed two pieces on the organ before and after the service. Alex, a recipient of this year’s organ scholarship and a student of Russell Kent, had the unique opportunity to rehearse with Sea-am and Dr John Linker, the cathedral organist, earlier that day.
The Senior Carol Service continues to be a highlight of the year, and this year’s event was no exception—a true celebration of talent, community, and the spirit of the season.
