Christmas Concert In Arundel Cathedral

Arun Choral Society’s ever popular Christmas Concert will take place under the direction of Dr Joe Paxton in the stunning surroundings of Arundel Cathedral on Sunday 13th December at 7.30pm.

The society was founded in 1912, and has a history of 114 years of making beautiful music in and around Arundel. A much-loved highlight of the town’s Christmas events, its evening of festive choral music and traditional congregational carols will include Morten Lauridsen’s notable setting of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’, a Gregorian chant for Christmas, first performed by the choir to much acclaim in 2024 and the famous ‘The Shepherds’ Farewell’ from L’Enfance du Christ by Hector Berlioz. It will also feature the premiere of Arun Choral Society member Graham Andrew’s ‘Fugue of Carols’ incorporating four well known carols.

Said Graham,

‘The four carols include the angels, the baby Jesus, the three kings and the shepherds. The whole Nativity is there!

The choral piece begins gently with pairs of carols sung together. In the central section the carols are used in three part fugues. The final section brings all four carols together for a big finish, celebrating the coming of Christ. I subsequently added the organ prelude and accompaniment to create a sound worthy of a cathedral at Christmas.

I am grateful to the Arun Choral Society for giving the first performance of this work.‘

The choir will be accompanied by society accompanist David Moore on keyboard and John Sharples on the cathedral organ.

There will be an interval when mulled wine and soft drinks will be on sale. Tickets are now available priced £12 (£6 under 18s) from Ticketsource or via the choir’s website www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk.