On the last evening before the end of term, the Girls’ Division gathered for the annual Ceremony of Carols. The Great Hall was packed with pupils, parents, staff, Old Girls and friends of the school, who had come to enjoy an evening of music and contemplation of the Christmas message.
The evening began with the Chamber Choir processing into the Hall in darkness as they sang the traditional ‘Hodie’, followed by ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ to start the evening’s carolling, and the traditional Welcome and Bidding Prayer from Mrs Lynne Kyle, the Head of Girls’ Division. The audience was then treated to a programme of poignant and thoughtful readings from representatives of all year groups, alongside musical performances from the Chamber Choir, Senior Choir, Lower School Choir and a cappella group the Accidentals, all interspersed with opportunities to sing traditional carols, including ‘Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and ‘Joy To The World’.
As the evening drew to a close, Head of Foundation Mr Britton reminded every of the Biblical Christmas story with a reading of John Chapter I, and ‘Adeste Fideles’, sung in Latin, was a resounding close to a spectacular evening of festive music. Finally, the Chamber Choir processed out to the ‘Hodie’ and the Hall fell into darkness once again.
As the lights returned, the audience showed their appreciation for the musicians, singers, readers and their teachers with a round of applause. Afterwards, everyone was invited for a drink in the Leverhulme Suite, where there was also opportunity for Old Girls to gather and reconnect with one another. As guests left the Great Hall, a retiring collection was held in support of a local charity chosen by the choir: Rainbow Hub supports children and young people with physical disabilities and neurological conditions.
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