St Augustine’s, Bexhill

Saturday 6 December

Christmas Concerts seem to come around all too quickly these days – or is it just that I am getting older? The key features of Bexhill Choral Society’s programme of Carols and Christmas Music was the gentle tension between the three very prominent arrangers. David Willcocks was represented by a number of traditional carols in a pleasantly familiar format, in contrast to John Rutter’s more modern and at times more challenging settings. Over-arching all of these was Kenneth Robert’s own arrangements, many involving Cinque Ports Brass Ensemble and even, in the last item, himself on clarinet.

This all made for a highly convincing programme which ranged from some exquisite early music by Praetorius and cheerfully sung Bach, to contemporary carols. Throughout, the choir was joined by baritone Peter Grevatt who was called upon far more than usual, not only to sing with the choir in The Boar’s Head Carol and Gaudete, but to provide solos. He gave us the first part of The Trumpet Shall Sound – most ably supported by solo trumpeter Andy Gill – and a rollicking version of Sterndale-Bennett’s The Carol Singers.

Nigel Howard was kept busy moving from organ to keyboard, and was joined by Robert Aldwinckle at the piano in some items.

As is customary, we were encouraged to join in six of the carols, which we did with enthusiasm, and to relax a little more towards the end when we heard Walking in the air, Let it Snow and Santa Claus is coming to Town.  These concerts always leave us asking for more, but then it is only 52 weeks until the next time!