Sedbergh at 500 – Christmas Carol Service, York Minster
It has been an unforgettable calendar year for the music department, with music at the forefront of the quincentenary celebrations. From an amazing concert in the Bridgewater Hall, to Jazz & Swing at the May Gala, to special chapel services, to the Fauré ‘Requiem’ in Ypres, to ‘The Armed Man’ on Remembrance Sunday, to ‘Les Misérables’…we will need another 500 years to reflect on, and digest, some incredible memories and performances.
The crowing achievement of the year – the icing on the cake, the jewel on the crown, the feather in the cap (pick your favourite) was an absolutely breathtaking Christmas Carol service in the most splendid setting of York Minster. Following our traditional ‘nine lesson’ format, our Chapel Choir were once again at the heart of the service under the indefatigable and inspirational direction of Mr Seymour. For this, we were joined by a number of Old Sedberghians and former staff in the congregational items.
The sense of unity in our community could not have been greater. From the hushed intensity of Stopford’s setting of the Coventry Carol, or Rachmaninov’s setting of ‘Ave Maria’, to the vibrant energy of Britten’s ‘This Little Babe’ and Willcocks’ ‘The Sussex Carol’ – and plenty more in between – the synergy of the lessons and music made for a powerful narrative of God’s love. Amidst this was a dynamic sermon from the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, urging us all to make ourselves a little smaller – to make perspective and allow for spiritual growth.
We were incredibly proud of all of our musicians, but it would be right to highlight a few solo contributions. Our Head of Choir, Olivia (CH, Y13) opened the service with a tremendously well-controlled solo verse of ‘Once in royal’, whilst Head Chorister Chiyo (CH, Y13) joined her on solo lines in other pieces. Tobias (S, Y11) and Oliver (SH, Y11) sang the solo line in Tavener’s ‘God is with us’ from the middle of the nave, with tremendous poise. A final word, too, for the whole school and the other members of the 1,400 strong congregation, who sang so well.
