WITH a theme of “words” connecting the carols and songs of this year’s Christmas concert by the Stuart Singers, that theme was effectively encapsulated in one line from the song When Music Speaks; that “---when we can’t find the words we seek, music speaks”.

Music certainly speaks in all performances by this excellent choir and, in this Christmas concert, the mix of serious and light-hearted numbers typically show-cased their mesmerising ability to perform over twenty of these from memory, aided, as always, by the skill and control of their musical director Helen Sims. Of the serious numbers, the most poignant, given the significance of this year, was a wonderful setting of Rupert Brooke’s poem The Soldier, with music and arrangement by Barrie Cooper. In this, the words were at their most telling.

The accompanist this year was the heroic Stephen Hoskin, standing in, at very short notice, for an indisposed Barrie Cooper.

Following the introductory, all join in, carol, Sing Aloud on this Day, the comprehensive programme included Ralph Vaughan Williams’ arrangement of Let all the World in every corner Sing, and John Rutter’s Nativity Carol. Other carols with audience participation were; As with gladness Men of Old, and While Shepherds watched their Flocks by Night. Amusing numbers included Tale of the Oyster and Rockin’ in Bethlehem.

The final two numbers, Christmas was meant for Children and Long ago on a Winter’s Morning were effectively worded to cause us all to reflect on the essence of Christmas.

Donations were made to three charities: Cotswold Care Hospice, Coigne Nursery and Stroud Hospital League of Friends. The representatives from all three charities gave moving insights into the activities and services they provide.

The Stuart Singers, as always, provided skilful and thrilling choral entertainment.

Peter Rolls