It was an emotional yet celebratory Christmas concert for Thetford Singers this year, as the choir bid a fond farewell to their Musical Director, Chris Parsons, and warmly welcomed his successor, Matthew Gallis.
A packed programme of Thetford Singers’ favourite carols and Christmas songs delighted a full house at Thetford Methodist Church, taking the audience on a musical journey that reflected on the exceptional contribution Chris Parsons has made over the past ten years. Accompanied by Fiona Barnett on piano and Simon Barnett on percussion, the evening carried a jazzy, festive feel, balanced beautifully with moments of quiet, reflective melody.
The concert opened with Cantemos a María, a lively carol from the Dominican Republic, followed by O Magnum Mysterium, Morten Lauridsen’s ethereal and contemplative work composed in 1994. The audience was then invited to join in for the first of four sing-alongs, with the perennial favourite Once in Royal David’s City.
Two interludes added further variety to the programme. A vibrant jazz arrangement of Carol of the Bells was performed by Sally c and Trish Hogan, followed by a 1940s-style rendition of Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, performed by Chris Parsons and accompanied by Simon and Fiona Barnett, before Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas rounded off the set.
Thetford Singers truly came into their own during O Holy Night, filling the Methodist Church with a stunning wall of sound.
No Thetford Singers Christmas concert would be complete without music by Vaughan Williams and John Rutter, and this year also featured Alexander L’Estrange’s Christmas Pieces. Two Christmas classics were performed with gusto, affectionate nods to two previous summer concerts with Chris – Zimbe! and Ahoy.
Closing the concert, Chris Parsons said: “It’s been an absolute privilege. We’ve done some amazing things – Mozart’s Requiem stands out in my mind. I started as a 23-year-old, straight out of the Royal College of Music, desperate to work in community music. It’s been wonderful.” He went on to wish the choir well and expressed his hope that their paths would cross again in the future.
Thetford Singers Chair Sue Garland wished Chris good luck and said that while the choir was sad to see him go, members are excited to welcome Matt and begin work on their Easter concert.
Thetford Singers now has over 50 members – the largest the choir has been in its 51-year history, and new members are always welcome. Rehearsals resume on Wednesday 7th January at 7.30pm at Thetford Methodist Church.
