On the eve of the Christian season of Advent this concert of choral music aims to portray the mystery of Christmas, taking its title from the ancient responsorial chant of the same name that reflects the sense of wonder that animals should witness the birth of the newborn Lord, lying in a manger.

Over the centuries this simple tale has inspired many composers, and the concert will include versions by Francis Poulenc and Morten Lauridsen. Other works in the concert will also reflect the wonder and the joy of the nativity of Christ in different ways.

Programme:

Mathias – Sir Christèmas
Lauridsen – O Magnum Mysterium
Audience Carol – O little town of Bethlehem
Praetorius – Puer Natus in Bethlehem
Clemens non Papa – Pastores, Quidnam Vidistis
Audience Carol – While shepherds watched
Messiaen – Les Bergers (Organ solo)
Ballet/Shaw – Lute-book Lullaby
Kirkpatrick/Willcocks – Away in a Manger (Farnham Youth Choir Ensemble)
Gauntlett/Willcocks – Once In Royal David’s City (Farnham Youth Choir Ensemble)
Audience Carol – O Come All Ye Faithful
INTERVAL
Hassler – Hodie Christus Natus est
Poulenc – O Magnum Mysterium
– Hodie Christus Natus est
Audience Carol – A Great and Mighty Wonder
Willcocks- Deck the Hall
Rutter – Nativity Carol
Clemens non Papa – Missa ‘Pastores Quidnam Vidistis’: Credo
Anderson arr Trotter – Sleigh Ride (Organ solo)
Pearsall/ Rutter – In Dulci Jubilo (Farnham Youth Choir Ensemble)
Leontovich/Wilhousky – Carol of the Bells (Farnham Youth Choir Ensemble)
Audience Carol – Hark the Herald