... took place at the beginning of Advent. This selection of seasonal music unites the traditions of several different countries. The chosen title is the German version of Luke ii,8: “And there were shepherds abiding in the field …”

As well as a Latin mass by Gounod, our program included a rarely-heard set of variations on a well-loved German carol (known in English as “Lo, how a rose e’er blooming”); a Bohemian folk mass, and a selection of Christmas carols arranged by the English composer John Rutter.

This concert was supported by