On Saturday 19th December Eclipse Choir gathered for our Christmas Concert at St. Matthew’s Church in Wimbledon, our second ever concert! It was a sell out with 250 guests, plus musicians, and our special guests, the Missing People Choir.
Both our Lunar (Monday) and Solar (Thursday) choir had prepared and worked hard all term to give a wonderful, varied show, featuring songs from Karl Jenkins’ Adiemus and Benedictus, Will Todd’s Away in a Manger, Sanctus from Fauré’s Requiem, two lively and beautiful Nigerian carols and a great fun Bond 007 Medley to finish.
A large number of our singers also took on extra repertoire as soloists and in small ensembles, including a jazz rendition of For All I Know, a male group singing Moondance and ladies performing Chattanooga Choo Choo, and a passionate Gospel rendition of Hillsong’s Oceans.
The Missing People Choir joined us to perform two special songs, both related to their experiences of losing their loved ones without explanation. They moved our audience to tears with the heartfelt, I Miss You, and Don’t Let It Go Away, which was written by the 14 year old Alice Gross, who subsequently went missing in summer 2014, until she was discovered in the River Brent several weeks later. More about Alice and the Missing People Choir can be found here.
Congratulations to all singers for what was a fantastic term and a marvellous performance on the night. You excelled and suprassed yourselves. Thank you!
Thank you to our musicians, Peter Hawkins Sr (drums), Kelvin Nash on stand up bass, Peter Hawkins Jr (guitar), Will Cragg (guitar), Florence Glen (flute), Seána Davey (harp) and George Shilling (cello), plus choir member, Natalie Ward on recorder.
Thank you also to the Missing People Charity who ran our bar on the evening. We’re delighted to support your important work. (Since first publishing this article, Missing People announced they raised over £1000 from our event too, which is simply amazing! Thank you.)
Here are some photos from the show (with thanks to Caroline Jones Photography):
