Harrodians celebrated the arrival of Christmas with our annual Carol Concert at St Paul's Hammersmith on the last Thursday of term.
As usual with Harrodian musical events, the music – performed by no fewer than eight different choirs – ranged widely across carols and songs of all kinds from the Boys' Choir feel-good version of 'Feliz Navidad' to the Auditioned Choir’s touching performance of 'Light A Candle', with its meaningful lyrics 'Light a candle, hold a sign of hope in your hand' set to a tuneful melody written by Marta Keen and arranged by Jay Althouse. The concert opened with the reverberation of 'Carol of the Bells' sung by the Chamber Choir (Sixth Formers) from the top of the Church. The choir then proceeded down the aisle through the audience led by 13s pupil Olive who sang a solo verse of 'Once in Royal David's City.'
For a gallery of photographs taken at the first concert by Ms Daisy MacKay
The readings – all performed with poise and clarity by pupils ranging in age from Pre-Prep to Sixth Formers – also drew on texts ancient and modern by writers including Dylan Thomas and Dr Seuss.
Mrs. Kerry Sampson's standout solo performance was an emotional highlight, marking her final appearance as a music teacher at Harrodian after 22 years, before returning to Australia to live with her family in the New Year. Her performance received a standing ovation, with Harrodian pupils of all ages at both concerts cheering and stamping to show their appreciation—the love for her was palpable.
Throughout the concert, the congregation embraced Mr. Hooke's call to "raise the roof" of St. Paul's with their singing, achieving it brilliantly in the concluding carol, the Headmaster's favourite: 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.'
For a gallery of photographs taken at the second concert by our first year Lower Sixth Photography students
A huge thank you to the Harrodian music department and all the many staff who helped with the logistics and organisation involved in making the event such a success.
