AS Christmas creeps closer the traditional sound of a choir singing is just what’s needed to conjure up images of Christmas trees, candles, chestnuts roasting and glittering presents under the tree.
And it’s a busy time of year for two of Southend’s most prestigious groups, the Southend Boys and Girls Choirs, whose seasonal dates range from the splendour of the Royal Albert Hall to the cosy festive warmth of local church appearances.
The boys will be entertaining audiences of refined tastes. They will take up position at some top London hotels, including Claridges and Carlton Towers, where they will be singing each weekend afternoon throughout the festive period.
Closer to home, a group from the two choirs will join together this Friday when they perform at Holy Trinity Church in Southchurch. A group of 35 youngsters will be performing Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, the first time they’ve performed it in more than 20 years, accompanied by local harpist Louise O’Connell.
Then it’s the girls turn, as they team up with local choir Southend Vox to present Christmas Comes to Town at the Palace Theatre on December 11, where light, popular Christmas numbers will be performed.
The two groups then join forces again to perform at St Martin in the Fields Church in Trafalgar Square on December 15. They will appear with professional orchestra, the Locrian Ensemble, in the Spirit of Christmas by Candlelight.
On December 20 and 23 they head to the Royal Albert Hall to perform as part of Anton de Beke’s Christmas Cracker. The family concerts are a highlight for many of the singers – some of whom will be performing in front of 6,000 people in the iconic venue for the first time.
The final seasonal appearance is at St James Church, in Piccadilly, when they will present an evening of Carols to Share. The choirs are running a coach for audience and family members. Call 01702 303628 for more information.
Tickets for the event at Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch Boulevard, on December 9, are £6 (£5 concessions). It starts at 8pm. Call 01702 303628.
Christmas Comes to Town is at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, on December 11 at 7pm. Tickets are £9, £7 for concessions. Call 01702 351135. A full list of Christmas dates can be found on www.southendchoirs.org.uk
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