Now in its third year, the Advent Carol Service has firmly established itself as a cherished and much-anticipated event in the school calendar. This poignant service provides a moment of stillness and reflection, marking the period of anticipation and preparation leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth.
Held by candlelight in the atmospheric Holy Trinity Church, the service combines readings, reflections, and music to explore the meaning of Advent. At its heart is the plainchant of the Seven Great Advent Antiphons, hauntingly sung by the RGS Schola Cantorum. Each antiphon offers a solo opportunity for members of the choir, and special recognition must go to Ben Pilkington, Orlando Meadowcroft, Ralph Moggs, Oscar Ford, Alex Pop, Alex Judge, and Daniel Bristow for their poised and musical performances of these intricate chants.
The service also featured biblical readings, delivered with clarity and reverence by Toby Beckingham, Sebastian Cunningham, Harry Simmons, and Zac Warham, providing a narrative thread through the evening. Interspersed between these readings were choral highlights that left a lasting impression on the congregation.
Philip Stopford’s There is No Rose was performed with a delicate beauty that captured the text’s quiet wonder. The choir also gave an exceptional rendition of Rachmaninov’s Bogoroditsye Dyevo, a piece that opens with hushed solemnity and demands both precision and restraint. As the music unfolded, it built to an emotionally powerful climax, which the choir executed with both technical skill and heartfelt expression.
The combination of candlelight, reflections and exquisite singing created a profoundly moving and atmospheric experience for all in attendance. The Advent Carol Service once again proved to be a highlight of the season, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of the school’s musicians while providing a meaningful moment of anticipation and reflection during Advent.