It’s Wednesday 12th December and it’s a little chilly outside, Christmas has arrived in Dunbar. The lights are up in the High Street and it’s time for Dunbar Choral’s annual Christmas Concert. The choir and an eager crowd gathered in Belhaven Church for what promised to be a truly Christmassy evening, the audience were not disappointed. They were treated to a range of diverse songs and carols including Peter Warlock’s arrangement of Adam lay ybounden last sung by the choir in 2011 to a riotous Rutter arrangement of The Twelve Days of Christmas which the audience particularly enjoyed. All the chosen arrangements showcased Dunbar Choral’s varied repertoire and balance of voices. The choir has a range of ages and although not so many tenor and bass singers they come through brilliantly. The Soloist Diane Kerr was, as always, a delight to listen to whilst soloing in Winter Wonderland .
The Choral pieces were added to by the enthusiastic audience in the church participating in more traditional carols such as O Little Town of Bethlehem. Gordon Roberts added another dimension to the evening with his readings from many different sources evoking medieval times to the present day and ranging from the thought provoking to the highly entertaining; these were enjoyed by all in the church.
The contribution of father and son team of Vaughan and David Townhill should not go unnoticed. Vaughan conducts with passion and enthusiasm and David provides accompaniment with so much musicality and enjoyment it’s hard not to sing out when participation is called for. This is their last Christmas Concert; after 10 years at the helm they are to leave the choir after the performance of Jenkins The Armed Man at the 70th Anniversary concert in May.
The chance to chat to the choir members over a cup of mulled wine and mince pies afterwards in the church hall was a great way to end a fantastic evening.
Alison Hardy