Carols for Christmas

For those who like Christmas carols, the Renaissance Singers are again providing the opportunity to join them in their popular annual Carols for Christmas concert. There will be two opportunities - both at 3.00pm, one in the friendly St Peter's Church in Ruahine Street on Saturday, 10 December, and a second in the more intimate St John's Church, Camden Street, Feilding on Sunday, 11 December. Music Director, Christine Archer-Lockwood has selected arrangements not sung before by the choir but which will be familiar to the audience. Christine has cleverly sorted many carols that have unison sections and choruses where the audience can join in while the choir provides the harmony lines. Consequently there will be occasions when you in the audience will be part of an extended choir. There will be opportunities for those who want to sing the roof off and for others who sing more demurely. While the songs' lyrics are obviously Christian in nature, the music and many of the sentiments are universal creating an opportunity for everyone to experience sounds produced by composers at the top of their game.

In addition Roy Tankersley on organ and Guy Donaldson on piano will provide occasional accompaniment helping the audience to stay in tune and providing an instrumental backdrop to various pieces that the choir will sing.

The arrangements vary from the well known sing-along standards to very clever pieces that have the choir producing gorgeous harmonies and rhythms that will engage and entrance. Whether you are familiar with the old style carols sung in the days of bands and choirs on the trays of trucks, or with modern sounds listened via ear pods, the Renaissance Singers will be providing sound that will appeal. This will be a great occasion for a family sing along with the magical music that is created to celebrate Christmas.

There will also be a streamed version at $10 per household - email pnrenaissancesingers@gmail.com for more information.