YORK Opera’s Christmas concert, Joy To The World, will be presented at two York churches this Yuletide season.
A 7.30pm performance on December 13 at the Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, will be followed two days later by a 2.30pm performance at Lidgett Methodist Church, off Beckfield Lane, Acomb.
Proceeds from the first one will be donated to York Against Cancer, in memory of Ros Jackson and Ian Small, two much loved and valued members of York Opera, who died of cancer just over a year ago.
Ros was a member of York Opera from 1980 until her death. Although never appearing on stage, she was vital to the running of the company, serving on the social committee, as head of properties and head of publicity.
Ian was involved for more than 20 years, as stage director, soloist and chorus member and, for a few years, as chairman.
“As they would have wished, the concert will be full of joy and Christmas spirit, taking the form of a musical journey through the Christmas story in the first half, then a general rejoicing and looking towards the New Year in the second,” says Alasdair Jamieson will conduct the choir, with Tim Tozer at the piano.
“We’ll perform a mixture of well-known carols, such as Rocking, Ding Dong Merrily On High and The Sussex Carol, and newer works like Phillip Moore’s Our Lady And Child and Harold Fraser-Simson’s Joy Shall Be Yours In The Morning, with words from Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind In The Willows. There’ll also be York Opera’s famous rendition of The Holly And The Ivy.
“So, start your festive season off right by joining York Opera for a concert of Christmas music; some you’ll know by heart and some you’ll discover with us.”
Tickets for December 13 are available from the York Against Cancer shop, at 31 North Moor Road, York, and for both concerts on 01904 630658. Proceeds from December 15 will go to Lidgett Methodist Church.