Chester: Top choir stage Christmas concert at historic church

Chester Bach Singers are preparing to stage the concert, a highlight of the festive calendar in Chester, at St Werburgh's Church on Grosvenor Park Road on Saturday, December 16, at 3pm.

The concert will include a mix of familiar and much-loved carols together with some new discoveries.

Chester Bach Singers will also perform 'Illuminare Jerusalem' by Master of the King's Music, Judith Weir, a dramatic setting of a medieval poem. The concert will also include a brand-new arrangement by the choir's conductor Martin Bussey of festive favourite 'Santa Claus in Coming to Town'.

The Christmas Carols concert poster. (Image: Chester Bach Singers)

Speaking about the festive concert, Helen Crich, the Chair of Chester Bach Singers said: "Join us in singing favourites such as 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' and 'O little town of Bethlehem' then sit back and relax as the choir sings Peter Warlock’s timeless 'Bethlehem Down' and 'O Magnum Mysterium' by Morten Lauridsen which is now regarded as a modern classic.

"The choir is also delighted to be singing more music by Cecilia McDowall who joined us for our October concert. Cecillia's 'A Winter's Night' takes five Carols, including 'Dulci Jubilo' and 'The Sussex Carol' and weaves them into a captivating unbroken sequence. We are very much looking forward to our annual Christmas Carols concert which is once again being held in the beautiful surroundings of St Werburgh's Church."

In addition to the Christmas concert, 2024 is set to be a busy and exciting year for the choir with events including major workshop at St Mary's Creative Space, a joint concert with Chester Philharmonic Orchestra at Chester Cathedral , a performance of Handel's 'Messiah', and a concert showcasing the best of the music of the 1950s.

Full details of Chester Bach Singers Christmas Carols concert, along with all other events and ticketing, can be found at: www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk.