The annual Bishop Thomas Grant School Carol Service took place at St. George’s Cathedral on Monday 16^th December. Worship was presided over by Fr. Cassidy and led by readers, the orchestra, and choirs, with students from every year groups taking a part.

The orchestra accompanied the congregation in five well-known carols – O come, O come Emmanuel, O Holy Night, Good King Wenceslas, Ding Dong Merrily on High and O come, all ye faithful - their exhilarating sound ringing and soaring throughout the cathedral as they lifted the singing to the very heights. 

The Junior and Pop Choirs gave exemplary performances of the Austrian Carol Sleep, Sleep, Sleep and Joy to the World. Their two part renditions delivered with great aplomb in front of large congregation, revealing the talents and assurance of our youngest students.  

The Chapel Choir gave excellent renditions of six items – Coventry Carol, The Lamb (words by William Blake; music by John Tavener), In the Bleak Mid-Winter – solo, by Year 8 student Innes (words by Christina Rossetti; music by Harold Darke), Gabriel’s Message, Carol of the Bells (words by Peter J. Wilhousky; music by M. Leontovich) and Poor Little Jesus – solo, by Year 13 student Clara.

A most notable point in the evening was when the Cathedral fell silent for Year 7 singing the well-known carol, Silent Night in three languages (German, French and English), a reminder of one Christmas Eve during the Great War when troops were briefly united in peace and song. At this time of year it is truly humbling to experience the unifying power of music.

Head of Music, Mr Eagles