THE annual Christmas Concert by North Creedy Choral Society was held on the first Saturday of December in Crediton Methodist Church.

Ann Rothwell-Jackson, who usually sings with the altos in North Creedy Choral Society was, on this occasion, a member of the audience. Here she gives her impression of the musical evening:

I attended a delightful concert in Crediton Methodist Church last Saturday (December 5). It was given by the North Creedy Choral Society which is led and conducted by Richard Stephens. It is very obvious that he and Susan Gales, the accompanist, work together in perfect harmony and with great sensitivity. The sung items were interspersed with some readings.

The choir opened the concert by singing Schubert’s Mass in G, which they tackled with great confidence. Those of us in the audience who have sung it before, found it difficult to resist the temptation to join in!

After this we were treated to some new and unusual carols from around Europe – Spain, Catalunya, France, Germany and Poland. There were some delightful contrasts in both volume and timbre.

We, the audience, were given a chance to sing carols also and the Maestro appeared to approve of our contribution, so there were lots of happy people.

Purcell’s Come ye sons of art, away, demonstrated the versatility of two of the young soloists, who played the flute as well as singing.

After Darcy Wilson and Emma Richards had sung their duet Sound the Trumpet my fellow concert-goer remarked “it was worth coming, just to hear that!”

The other young soloists, Harriet Watson and Catherine Stoyle, also showed their talented musicality, not to mention Jason Bomford, who is a well-known local soloist whose range is from bass to tenor.

The evening finished with mince pies, cheese straws and liquid refreshment.

The choir had been given two huge boxes of Thornton’s chocolates by Hospiscare, as a thank you for singing at the “Light up a Life” service at Crediton Parish Church.

The audience was invited to share these as well, so we went home feeling well-content.

Karin Moffett