DCU Christmas Concerts 2023
Wowser! What a concert. It’s hard to know where to start really, with so many standout moments. As ever the thought and consideration which had gone into the selection of the pieces and the composition of the running order was outstanding. Made possible only with a huge debt of gratitude to Mandy for all that she does.
Dan Forrest’s arrangement of “O Come All Ye Faithful” was a powerful opener. A rich depth of sound from the Basses and Tenors opens the number, before the rest of the company join for a strong legato chorus that builds to a coruscating conclusion.
Quite often a dynamic piece like that is difficult to seamlessly follow. But with flawless transition the tempo shifted as we followed up with Kim Andre Arnesen’s “I Will Light Candles This Christmas”, which gently enveloped the audience with flowing strains and a beautiful message. Composed using poems from Civil Rights leader, Howard Thurman, we are reminded that, although so many face pain and conflict, we can each be beacons of hope if we support others; providing them with flickers of light in their darkness as they strive for a future filled with peace.
The remainder of the first half took us on a journey through familiar Christmas classics set to outstanding arrangements, providing absorbing versions of traditional tunes that brought a modernness and lift to them. We finished the first set with Vivaldi’s, “Gloria”, which, never fails to be impressive with its marcato refrains marching us energetically into the interval.
Our musicians for both performances, led by the unyieldingly fabulous Yvonne Ferguson on piano, included the excellent Erik on Double Bass, brilliant Tom on drums, and a quartet of wonderful women on strings, Louise, Mairi, Melanie and Ilse.
As well as accompanying various pieces throughout the concert, both we and the audience were treated to the most stunning renditions of several favourites from the String Quartet. Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet, The Nutcracker, will always be synonymous with Christmas, and the audience sat entranced as we enjoyed superlatively skilful recitations of two classics from the suite. Having already performed our version of the ubiquitous “Away in a Manger” in the form of Joel Raney’s swing led “Heavenly Peace”, we then enjoyed a very different but equally moving adaptation from the String Quartet.
Act 2 opened with Joseph. M. Martin’s buoyant, “The Music of Christmas”, which brings together exuberant and joy-filled original composition, with excerpts from: “Sussex Carol”, “Good Christian Men Rejoice” and “Hark the Herald Angel’s Sing”.
A trio of modern Christmas compositions followed bringing in lilting accents, driving rhythms, haunting melodies and anthemic accelerando’s. Just before the final set, Eric joined the String Quartet for a heart-warming performance of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, made famous by Judy Garland in the 1944 classic, Meet Me in St.Louis.
We picked up the pace with our next two choices and made sure that our fabulous audience weren’t too sad about missing Strictly Come Dancing with some clearly exceptional moves as we jigged along to “Gettin’ in the Mood (for Christmas)” and “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree”.
Then suddenly we were into the last vestiges of the performance. As the opening bars to Handel’s quintessential Hallelujah Chorus began, the audience rose proudly to their feet, following the tradition initiated when King George II reportedly stood up during the chorus of the London premier of Messiah in 1743. This oratorio has become a Christmas favourite precisely because it is so rousing and impactful. And so, it was a perfect end to this spectacular concert.
In the words of the Soprano section favourite, “Here’s To Song”:
“The evening sped so swiftly past, No richer way to spend it…Here’s to song…Here’s to friends who raise their voices high…The company beyond compare, For now farewell, and thank you!”
From all of us at DCU, have a most wonderful, joyous and peaceful holiday season. We look forward to seeing you again in March for our Spring concert.
– Louise Humpington, Soprano
