St Mary's Calne
Last Thursday evening, over 250 parents, alumnae, and friends gathered in the iconic Victorian Gothic church of All Saints, Margaret Street, for a memorable evening of festive music, carols, and readings.
The Junior Consort, Chamber Choir, and Alumnae Choirs performed beautifully, led by Miss Marie-Claire Arthur, Director of Music, and Mrs Dudley Fryar, Director of Vocal Studies. A particular highlight of the evening was Mrs Kate Elphick’s expert accompaniment on the cello for Serenity, O Magnum Mysterium. After launching the alumnae choir at the 2022 A Ceremony of Carols, we were thrilled to see participation grow to 24 alumnae this year.
Here, UVI Music Scholar, Evie, reflects on the event:
On Thursday 5th December, Chamber Choir and Junior Consort travelled to the beautiful, All Saints Church, in London. One of the sweetest moments of the day for a lot of people was early on when regular visitors of the church stopped to listen to our rehearsals. It helped us build confidence for the evening performance and was just very heart-warming to see people enjoying the music.
To begin the concert, we sang Hodie Christus Natus Est, and processed holding candles which added to the ambiance of the incredible gothic church. Following some lovely opening words from Father Jonathon, we sang a multitude of hymns and carols in between performances from the Chamber Choir. O Magnus Mysterium was a particular favourite of evening for many, as it combined a stunning cello part with the singers, creating a beautifully intense mood.
The rest of the concert was filled with Christmas readings and an uplifting glorious performance of In the Bleak Midwinter by the Junior Consort. The Alumnae Choir sang some lovely pieces, and came together so well despite only being able to rehearse as a group on the actual day! It was so sweet to see Calne girls reconnect, and to hear about university from those who left just last year.
Overall, the evening was a great success and everyone had such a lovely time. It was really a privilege to perform in such a jaw dropping church with the most incredible acoustics, surrounded by family and friends that came to support. We know how hard the entire Music Department works to organise and arrange such events and are so thankful for all they do.
The event on a whole was such a delight to perform in, and a truly magical way to start the Christmas celebrations for many. As a leaving UVI, to be a part of Carols By Candlelight meant so much and represented a lot of what I love about St Mary's and Chamber Choir. I can confidently say that it was one of the most special and breathtaking events that I have performed; I had so much fun! Georgie, another leaving UVI said, 'It was a beautiful last Christmas performance with the Chamber Choir, and a really special night for everyone.'
To close, an appeal was made by current parent and Calne Foundation Trust trustee, Mr Michael Bucher, resulting in a retiring collection of £1,700 which will benefit school’s bursary fund. In addition to this, every penny of the £3,000 event ticket income will support bursaries, thanks to the generous support of the Calne Girls’ Association who sponsored the delicious mulled wine and mince pie reception.
Mr Bucher also introduced the audience to the 150 Society which recognises those supporting bursaries at St Mary’s Calne. If you would be interested in joining the 150 Society or would like further details, do please contact Dr Gemma Wise –
Thank you and well done to all of the students who took part as well as our visiting musicians who joined the Chamber Orchestra.