I photographed the Advent Carol Service for Marlborough College in the beautiful Chapel
As reported by Mr Dukes, Artistic Director;
"The Chapel Choir is a very public and high profile organisation; constantly in the spotlight and required to produce high quality performances week in week out, be it in chapel services or extra events such as OM Club Day, Remembrance Day events or ‘away' evensongs.
The Advent Carol Service heralds the beginning of an especially busy patch which includes four further Christmas Carol Services alongside all the many other demands placed upon its members in College life. If the pressure was on, it certainly didn't show, as their magnificent Director, Mr Hodgkinson coaxed, crafted and guided them through an eclectic programme, not only reflecting his inspirational choice of repertoire but the Choir's versatility in the process.
The sound is rich, full and varied; dynamic colours are abundant, discipline is maintained throughout and overall a sense of willing participation and enjoyment is conveyed to the congregation in all they do.
Highlights included the sumptuous opening introit, Arise, Shine composed by Hodgkinson himself – a bursting radiant beginning to proceedings and the closing work O Radiant Dawn by James Macmillan – a persuasive and splendid setting of Isaiah in part.
Altogether then, a remarkable and breathtaking performance."
