There have been some great Christmas concerts to welcome in the festive season so far this month, but it has to be said that the Barbara Walton Singers' Christmas by Candlelight concert at St. Mark's Church in Shelton last night will take some beating; especially if you're looking for a taste of the traditional. Popular carols, beautiful choral offerings from the choir and a selection of Christmas readings ensured that the night had a lot to offer and the fact that it ran, uninterrupted, for just an hour and a half meant that the audience left with the successful accomplished feeling of 'wanting more'.
Led by conductor David Burrowes, the evening opened with the haunting sound of the Singers' choral group singing an Old German Song which was extremely effective in setting the mood for the night.
From then on the singers sang as a whole and their selection of pieces, including the Virgin's Cradle Hymn, Lullay my Liking, Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht and Away in a Manger, were carefully chosen and perfectly suiting to the occasion which saw the church lit entirely by candlelight.
There was plenty of audience participation as well which is always good at this time of year but it's just a shame that we will have to wait another 12 months to be part of it again.
A great festive concert.

Liz Rowley, the Sentinel, 21st December, 2007