CHRISTMAS will have well and truly arrived when the angelic voices of Henley Choral Society’s singers soar into the rafters of St Mary’s Church Saturday 8th December.
At least, that’s the hope of the society’s chair, Susan Edwards, who was speaking ahead of its family Christmas concert at 2pm and traditional Christmas concert at 7pm.
Musical director Peter Asprey — now embarking on his second Christmas with the choir — will be conducting the two-part celebration.
Also returning by popular demand, having played at both concerts last year, are Onyx Brass — described by BBC Music magazine as “easily the classiest brass-playing in Britain” — and Daniel Moult, who The Organ magazine has called “one of the finest organists of our time”.
A spokesman for the choral society said: “Oynx Brass will be bringing their own unique brand of skill and festive fun, accompanying the choirs as well as performing some uplifting pieces of their own.
“The renowned organist Daniel Moult will complete the Christmas package and provide a magnificent accompaniment as well as treating the audience to a solo performance.
“The evening concert will open with the atmospheric O Viridissima Virgo and feature two major classic English choral works — Finzi’s Magnificat and I Was Glad by Parry, which featured at the Royal Wedding in 2011 and is sure to provide a rousing end to the evening.