Chipperfield was blessed throughout the month of December with a feast of Christmas music. Traditionally our Choral Society begins the festivities with their wonderful Christmas concert and this year was no exception. A packed St. Pauls Church on 6 December saw Director of Music, Delia Meehan, conduct the choir of almost 100 voices in a varied programme entitled What Sweeter Music. As usual the audience, or congregation, joined in singing the most popular carols, whilst the choir performed a varied programme of Christmas music. Marys Child, a new carol written for the choir by Alan Taylor and conducted by him was a highlight of the concert. Our own Rosie Clifford, with her marvellous voice, was soloist in a number of the works and Rosemary Venner added a fine touch on the piano. Nicholas King was able to make our newly restored organ produce a fine and crisp sound to complete a truly enjoyable concert.
Just a couple of weeks later on 21 December, it was the turn of St. Pauls Church Choir to sing at the Candlelight Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Keith Beniston conducted the choir and a fine orchestra. Soloists for the evening were Rosie Clifford and Daniel Meades. A number of traditional carols had been specially arranged by Keith Beniston and Alistair Lilley and as usual, the congregation sang all the great Christmas favourites with great gusto. Keith brought the evening to a close with a stunning organ voluntary.
Christmas music of another kind was performed on 14 December at Chipperfield Baptist Church by the Chiltern West Gallery Quire. This concert is now a regular event in the Christmas calendar. Dressed in Victorian costumes and accompanied by musicians playing a variety of instruments, including such antiques as the serpent, the choir filled the gallery of the church. All the carols performed and the tunes that accompany them date from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Chipperfield Choral Society is now rehearsing for their spring concert which will take place at St. Clement Danes School in Chorleywood on Saturday 4 April. Works to be performed are Handels Dettingen Te Deum and the Mass in C (the Coronation Mass) by Mozart. Five excellent young professional soloists have been engaged for the evening and tickets will be on sale soon. Terry Simmonds