On Saturday night, at St Paul’s Church on St Paul’s Road, the Galenicals Choir and Orchestra showed us the practical outworking of many students having Grade 8 music on their application forms. A fairly full church was treated to an evening of seasonal carols and orchestral pieces (though the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” and the Beatles’ “All you need is love” manged to sneak in as well. Richard O’Neal (on cello) and Ben Crawshaw (on clarinet) gave excellent solo performances. Audience participation was encouraged, and the evening finished with mince pies and mulled wine (warm). The quality of singing and playing was high and very enjoyable – thanks and recognition to Eleanor Hennebry, Performing Arts Director, Aaron Grice, Choir Musical Director, and Hugh Dorward, Orchestra Musical Director.
