A Festive Evening of Music and Community at St Andrew’s

Last night, St Andrew’s Parish Church in Kettering was filled with warmth, music and Christmas spirit as the Melody Choir presented its Christmas concert to a wonderfully supportive audience of friends, family and members of the local community.

The Melody Choir is proud to be a community choir, and that sense of togetherness was at the heart of the evening. Under the careful guidance of our choir manager, Christopher, and the inspiring leadership of our Conductor and Musical Director, Jonathan, the choir delivered a programme that was joyful, reflective and full of festive cheer. We were beautifully supported throughout by our talented accompanist, Lizzie, whose playing added depth and sparkle to the evening.

The concert featured a number of memorable solo performances. Jonathan, Emily, Evie and Lizzie each brought their own character and warmth to their solos, captivating the audience. A particular highlight was a delightful piano duet performed by Lizzie and her husband, which was received with enthusiastic applause.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the performance of The Charterhouse Carol, a new piece for the choir. The choir rose to the challenge, performing it with confidence and sensitivity.

The audience was very much part of the celebration, joining in on several well-loved carols and helping to create a truly festive atmosphere. Adding a deeply personal and reflective moment to the programme, Diane shared a poem about the School Nativity that she had written herself, an amusing story which resonated with many, and raised many smiles in the choir and audience alike.

Perhaps the most moving moment of the evening came with the choir’s special unaccompanied rendition of The Lord’s Prayer. Sung without instrumental support, it filled the church with a quiet power and emotion that many in the audience will not soon forget.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came along to support us and to share in this special evening. Concerts like this remind us why community music matters so much — bringing people together, creating shared moments, celebrating the season in harmony and raising funds for The Cransley Hospice.

From all of us in the Melody Choir, thank you, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas.