REVIEW: Choral Society shine in Christmas showpiece

Oldham Parish Church witnessed a wonderful carol concert

Oldham Parish Church was warm and sparkled for the Oldham Choral Society carol concert.

Nigel Wilkinson directed the choir of 80 singers, accompanied by Angela Lloyd Mostyn on keyboard.

Their guests were the Ashton Band directed by Philip Chalk.

The concert got off to a rousing start with everyone singing ‘O come all ye faithful’ accompanied by the band.

Then the format was two items from the choir followed by two from the band and then a carol for everyone to sing.

This pattern was followed three times and the concert concluded with a splendid ‘Hark the herald Angels Sing’.

The choir were in good voice and their cappella rendering of ‘Hail Smiling Morn’ and ‘Ding dong merrily on high’ were particularly enjoyable.

Other outstanding performances were ‘Away in a Manger’, with Rachel Dine playing a beautiful Flugelhorn solo, and ‘Walking in the Air’ when the band played with great sensitivity.

There was a collection for Real Change Oldham, an organisation which supports local people who are homeless, and over £500 was raised.

Oldham Choral Society’s next concert - ‘Italian Jewels’ - will take place in the Stoller Hall on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at 7pm. 

They will be performing Rossini’s Petite Messe Solonelle and Messa di Gloria by Puccini.

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