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St Cecilia Festive Concert 2025
Many would agree that this year’s St Cecilia Festive Concert ranks among the finest we have presented.
Continuing a much-loved tradition dating back to 2010, the concert has grown in scale and ambition over the years and now sits firmly as a joyful Christmas celebration, while still honouring St Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
The evening opened with the Senior Orchestra, nearly 60 strong, performing O Holy Night and A Tribute to Henry Mancini, featuring much-loved favourites including Baby Elephant Walk and The Pink Panther. They were followed by Sinfonia, whose performances of Circle of Life and African Noel demonstrated both confidence and musical flair. Senior Flute Choir delivered an ambitious rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, one of their most successful projects to date. The Jazz Band, joined by soloist Emily H, lifted the festive mood with Santa Baby, before our Year 5 and 6 choir, Cantemus, charmed the audience with The Lights Will Lead Me Home and a lively Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. The first half concluded with performances from the Senior Percussion Ensembles, whose energetic renditions of Samba Di Janeiro, Ghostbusters and Andromeda once again highlighted their precision and preparation. Cathedral Strings, joined by percussion, followed seamlessly with All I Want for Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth and Hawaii Five-O.
The second half featured the Cello Ensemble, Chapel Choir - number 25 pupils - and Senior Chamber Choir, offering atmospheric performances of The Sound of Silence, Away in a Manger, Tantum Ergo, Beati Quorum Via and Still, showcasing a high standard of choral musicianship. The concert concluded with the live premiere of Winter Legends, a festive choral suite by local and nationally recognised composer Ben Heneghan. Performed by our 110-strong Senior Chamber Choir and orchestra, with soprano soloist Gail Pearson, the work proved a perfect fit for the ensemble. Rich in melody, harmony and colour, the performance was delivered with conviction and energy, much to the delight of the audience. We were privileged to welcome the composer, who expressed his admiration and approval of the performance, and praised all involved. Senior Chamber Choir then closed the evening with a spirited arrangement of Jingle Bells, sending performers and audience members home full of Christmas cheer.
Listen to the concert recording on SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/XX0SYfZmCWt4tCSViy
Click the image below to see more photos from the concert
