The Choral Society was fortunate to have three composers in the audience for its 75th Anniversary Christmas concert on Saturday 14 December in Marlborough Road Methodist Church, St Albans.

James Francis Brown (right) and Cecilia McDowall (second right) had each composed a special carol to be premiered at the concert: respectively, There is no Rose and Lo! he slumbers in his manger. Meanwhile, Christopher Gunning (third from left) attended to hear the choir’s second performance of his specially commissioned carol, Come, let us gather. All received warm applause for their compositions.

Also in the photo are organist Richard James Harvey (left), Colin Dunkerley, Chair of the Society (second left), and George Vass, Music Director, who led the evening’s performance. The audience joined in popular carols including Good King Wenceslas and Hark! the herald-angels sing. Festive refreshments were served at the end, with donations going to Centre 33, the St Albans charity for people who are disadvantaged and homeless.

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