As the long autumn term draws to a close the college is a hive of activity in every area and Head of Music David Lloyd-Mostyn is a very busy man indeed. Our various musical ensembles and choirs are in great demand and amongst many music related events there are several eagerly awaited highlights.

Christmas Mass at the ‘Hidden Gem’ in Manchester presents our choristers and instrumentalists with the opportunity to perform in one of Manchester’s most historic and captivating churches. This year the Chamber Choir delighted with their rendition of Paul Mealor’s ‘A Spotless Rose, before delivering the world premiere of the winning entry in the Loreto Composition Prize, a choral setting of Tennyson’s ‘Ring Out Wild Bells’ composed by Toni Bruce. By way of contrast the choir finished with a gospel version of ‘Mary had a baby.’ Soloist Jennifer Rice sparkled in her performance of Chris De Burgh’s ‘A Spaceman Came Travelling’ before euphonium player Ben Corbridge demonstrated his virtuosity with a beautiful account of ‘O Holy Night’. The string orchestra performed ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ and the wind ensemble contributed a selection of pieces from the film ‘Nightmare before Christmas.’

The magnificent Church of the Holy Name was once again the venue for our Christmas Carol Service, as parents, staff, students and members of the wider Loreto family came together to celebrate Christmas in the traditional way. A touching ‘Once in Royal David’s City, featuring soloist Ellen Nield, got proceedings off to a splendid start, and the Chamber Choir maintained the high quality of musicality with its sumptuous delivery of Toni Bruce’s Composition Prize winning piece ‘Ring Out Wild Bells.’ Other items from the Hidden Gem programme were interspersed with congregational carols and traditional readings before the Pop Choir, augmented by the musicians and singers, brought the evening to a fitting close with its take on Ariana Grande’s ‘Santa Tell Me’, ‘Believe’ from Polar Express and the ever popular ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside.’

The college is grateful for the generosity of all those at the Holy Name Church and appreciative of the warm welcome extended to us as we celebrate Christmas in this most impressive of buildings.