On Saturday evening the 16th December 2023 at St. Nicholas Church, Warwick, Village Voices with Southam Melody Makers held their ‘Ding Dong Merrily’ Christmas Concert in support of the charity Rufus’ Friends’ Fund. £1,800 was raised for the charity, including Southam Melody Makers generous contribution.
The packed audience enjoyed a varied programme of well-known and not so well-known Christmas music, including pieces by the talented young violinist Kateryna Pratsovyta.
Kateryna also joined Elena Mitsuk and Kieron Howe as soloists singing the beautiful traditional Ukrainian Carol, V Vyfleyemi Novyna (There is News in Bethlehem), arranged by Kieron.
The audience also joined Southam Melody Makers and Village Voices in singing some traditional Christmas songs.
Very many thanks to Kieron Howe, musical director of Village Voices, for making the evening such a special occasion, as did Helen Pugh, accompanying the choir and similarly, Julie Edwards director and accompanist of Southam Melody Makers.
The evening also included some readings by members from both choirs.
Also many thanks to all who helped behind the scenes, including those who moved all the furniture into place, who prepared the raffle prizes and sold tickets, who generously provided food and drink for refreshments and those who served them up and cleared away. Not forgetting all those who organised the concert and provided publicity material.
Below are YouTube links to a number of videos recorded during the concert by Southam Melody Makers:
Perspice Christicola unknown c.1250
The Lamb, Ding Dong Merrily & A Winter’s Tale The Lamb John Taverner words by William Blake, Ding Dong Merrily words George Ratcliff Woodward music Jehan Tabourot arr. Peter Hunt & A Winter’s Tale Mike Batt & Tim Rice
V Vyfleyemi Novyna There is News in Bethlehem trad. arr. Kieron Howe
Mary Did You Know? arr. Roger Emerson words and music by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene
We Wish You a Merry Christmas trad. arr. Alexander L’Estrange
And finally some audio recordings of the concert:
The Lamb
Ding Dong Merrily
Winter’s Tale
V Vyfleyemi Novyna
Mary Did You Know?