On Sundays, December 11 and 18, the Griffon Choir heralded this Christmas season at Monkton Priory Church for the Macmillan Cancer Society and Burton Church with a varied programme of traditional and modern Christmas carols and music. Under the direction of their choir master, Dr. John Harrison, and guest accompanist, Juliet Rossiter, the choir performed an interesting selection of well-known and some unfamiliar pieces, including 'All this time' by William Walton, 'Tell me Mary', music by Donald Cashmere, and the lovely 'Star Carol', words and music by John Rutter, making everyone suitably mindful of the true meaning of Christmas. It warmed and touched one's heart to hear the sublime soprano voice of Sarah Benbow, who performed four seasonal songs, including 'Hymn to a Virgin' by Rubra and the much-loved 'O Holy Night' by Aldolphe Adam. Jack Docherty sang the tenor recitative, 'Comfort Ye' from Handel's 'Messiah', followed by the choir obviously delighting and thrilling the audience with the chorus and the 'Glory of the Lord'. Both evenings concluded with a lusty and spirited performance of the 'Hallelujah' Chorus. After the Christmas recess, Griffon Choir reassembles at Coronation School, Pembroke Dock, on Monday, January 9. Interested new members are always welcome and 2006 promises to be a very exciting year as they will be working towards a performance of the Mozart Requiem at St. David's Cathedral in the spring. The choir wishes to extend to all their 'listeners' their thanks and sincere wishes for a peaceful, happy Christmas and New Year.
