Come along to a Bristol Voices open rehearsal to see and hear what the choir is like!

Bristol Voices Choir will sing John Rutter’s moving Carol of the Children and the traditional favourite, Away in a Manger, sung to a beautiful, modern melody written by Yorkshire composer Alan Woods. The Bristol Voices boys and girls will also join with the Cathedral Choir and the large audience for other festive songs, ranging from Once in Royal David’s City to Jingle Bells.

As well as the Bristol Voices Choir’s contributions and the opportunities for everyone to join in favourite carols, Carols by Candlelight will feature 11 pieces of music sung by either the full Cathedral Choir or the Cathedral Choristers, together with seasonal organ music and a number of Christmas readings by actor Chris Torpy. The evening will be compèred by BBC Presenter David Harvey.

Tickets are £6 (concessions available) from Providence Music shop on 0117 927 6536

Primary school children are sharing centre-stage with Bristol Cathedral Choir at one of the city’s most popular Christmas events – the cathedral’s Carols by Candlelight concert.

Led by their new conductor, Jane English, the Bristol Voices Choir will sing John Rutter’s moving Carol of the Children and the traditional favourite, Away in a Manger, sung to a beautiful, modern melody written by Yorkshire composer Alan Woods.

The Bristol Voices boys and girls will also join with the Cathedral Choir and the large audience for other festive songs, ranging from Once in Royal David’s City to Jingle Bells. The concert takes place at 7.30pm on Friday 16th December.

“Jane has done a great job in building up the Bristol Voices Choir since she took over in September,” said the cathedral’s Canon Precentor, Rev Canon Wendy Wilby. “This is the first big public performance that many of the children will ever have taken part in, so it’s going to be an exciting day for them and their families. And what could be better than a first performance in the fantastic surroundings of a candlelit cathedral alongside the professional singers of the Cathedral Choir!”

Jane English, who is an enthusiastic teacher of singing, particularly for children, was herself a founder member of the National Youth Choir. She said: “Our aspiration is to get as many children from Bristol primary schools singing as possible. We’re keen to hear from anyone interested: there’s no audition – children can just come along to our Monday night practices and join in.”

She added: “I’m a member of the Cathedral’s congregation myself, so it will be fantastic to lead the Bristol Voices Choir at Carols by Candlelight as they sing on ‘home territory’.”

Bristol Voices is the choral outreach programme of Bristol Cathedral, in partnership with Bristol Cathedral Choir School. The Bristol Voices Choir meets on a Monday from 4.30-5.30pm at the school. It is open to primary school children from the age of eight. In addition, Bristol Voices runs the Chorister Outreach Programme, which involves a choral animateur working in schools to provide help and guidance and to train teachers.

As well as the Bristol Voices Choir’s contributions and the opportunities for everyone to join in favourite carols, Carols by Candlelight will feature 11 pieces of music sung by either the full Cathedral Choir or the Cathedral Choristers, together with seasonal organ music and a number of Christmas readings by actor Chris Torpy. The evening will be compèred by BBC Presenter David Harvey.

Bristol Voices Choir will also sing as part of the Henleaze Ladies’ Choir charity concert at 2pm on Thursday 15th December at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze, in preparation for their performance in the cathedral the following evening.

Bristol Voices Choir will also sing as part of the Henleaze Ladies’ Choir charity concert at 2pm on Thursday 15th December at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze, in preparation for their performance in the cathedral the following evening.

There is no charge for admission, but there will be a retiring collection in aid of the League of Friends of Southmead Hospital. Tea and mince pies will be served at the end of the programme.