It would be so easy, in compiling a programme of Christmas carols, to keep to the traditional, and stick with the tried and tested musical arrangements that we all know and love. However, this programme was designed to challenge. Martin Shaw’s Fanfare, with it’s proclamation of “Gloria in excelsis Deo” provided a suitably majestic opening, sung with great conviction. Anyone who thought they knew Good King Wenceslas would have had great difficulty tapping in time to a very quirky arrangement by Simon Reynolds, in 7/8 time. The choir also set themselves some technical challenges with The Shepherds’ Farwell by Berlioz and a rather intricate version of Adolphe Adam’s O Holy Night, arranged by Mack Wilberg. Other interesting arrangements of carols included Kings Came Riding, in a Jazz Waltz style, the jaunty and rhythmical Calypso Carol, the vigorous and dramatic African Noel, and even the tongue-in-cheek Cowboy Carol arranged by none other than Malcolm Sargent.

The audience also had the opportunity to join in with Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, In The Bleak Midwinter, Still The Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful as well as an impromptu version of White Christmas, accompanied by the Dunbartonshire Concert Band. The Dunbartonshire Concert Band, in top form, performed an array of very stylish arrangements including Sleigh Ride, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town and A Christmas Overture, providing a wonderful instrumental balance to the choral items.