CHRISTMAS CONCERT, FARRANT SINGERS AND ORCHESTRA

TO borrow a football commentator’s onetime obvious remark, this was a concert of two - very different - halves.

It started with The Christmas Story, written in about 1660 by the German composer Heinrich Schutz.

This is a delightful setting of the familiar biblical texts, sung here in the original German. All the key players get a mention; Joseph and Mary, Herod, shepherds, wise men, and the angel, the last beautifully depicted by soprano Eloise Irving.

The narration was sung by the tenor Hugh Hetherington, who has the knack (whatever the language) of soaking every phrase with meaning – the weeping and wailing at Herod’s slaying of children in Rama was a case in point.

Crisp, stylish accompaniment came from the Farrant Orchestra; the conductor Andrew Mackay crafting an excellent and engaging sound from all.

The Farrant Singers themselves shone in the contrasting second half, which consisted of carols.

Among memorable musical moments was their exceptional phrasing of Howells’ A Spotless Rose.

Mathias’s jovial Sir Christèmas got an energetic airing, but the pace was a little fast for the building.

There was excellent singing from the audience too, in familiar numbers such as The First Nowell.

It’s a measure of the quality of the Farrants’ varied music-making that they entice a loyal and knowledgeable local following.

Next year’s programme is at farrantsingers.org.

Stuart Robinson