A Night of Festive Harmony: Norwich High School Carol Service 2024

Posted on 13th December 2024

Tuesday 10th December, Norwich Cathedral.

On Tuesday 10th December, the Norwich High School for Girls community gathered at Norwich Cathedral for our annual Carol Service. This much-loved event combined music, poetry and reflection in the beautiful setting of one of the city’s most historic landmarks.

The evening featured a wide range of exceptional performances by our students. To begin, Constance in Year 9 beautifully sang the Gregorian Chant Hodie Christus Natus Est from the Font. Following the choir’s responses, Hannah in Year 12 then took over, exquisitely singing the first verse of our processional hymn, Once in Royal David’s City, from the Organ Loft. Our trio—Connie and Amelie in Year 9, along with Amelia in Year 10—did a brilliant job singing the second verse, before the whole choir joined in for the third.

Other highlights included a piece performed by the Norwich High Contemporary Choir who delivered a beautiful rendition of Do You Hear What I Hear? by G. Shayne, with lyrics by Regney and arranged by Hall and featuring a solo from Izzy in Year 13. Adding to the festive spirit, Sweet, Silent Night by A. Beck was performed with great charm by students from Year 5 and 6, accompanied by the Senior Piano Quartet. Congratulations to Eleanor in Year 12 who sang a stunning solo from the Gallery during the Contemporary Choir’s performance of A La Nanita Nana, arranged by Gilpin.

The readings were equally inspiring. Highlights included Evie in Year 12 who delivered a moving and reflective reading of Maya Angelou’s Amazing Peace, while Head Alison Sefton brought a touch of seasonal cheer with her recital of Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, A Visit from St Nicholas.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the combined choirs’ stunning performance of O Holy Night by A. Adam, arranged by Chapman and Heidenreich. The piece featured a breathtaking solo and descant composition by alumna Elizabeth Watts (Class of 1997). The choir was further supported by two trios: Isabella (Year 12), Gabriella (Year 7), and Beatrice (Year 10) in the first, and Daisy (Year 11), Amie (Year 9), and Tara (Year 9) in the second, with the Year 5 and 6 Choir joining for the final triumphant ending.

The service concluded with a masterful organ voluntary, In Dulci Jubilo BWV 729 by J.S. Bach, performed by Lara in Year 13, which brought the evening to a fittingly uplifting close.

We were honoured to welcome back internationally acclaimed soprano and alumna Elizabeth Watts, whose solo in O Holy Night was a highlight of the evening. Elizabeth, a beneficiary of an assisted place at Norwich High, has built an extraordinary career performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Her presence at the Carol Service as part of our 150th birthday celebrations was a source of inspiration for students and guests alike.

“Congratulations to all the students and staff involved in such a fantastic evening. The diversity and quality of the music and readings should be commended. It was also a privilege to have Elizabeth join us as part of our 150th celebrations. Her achievements exemplify the transformative power of education and the values we hold dear at Norwich High.”

Head of Norwich High School for Girls, Alison Sefton

This year’s Carol Service collection supported the 150 Bursary Fund appeal, as chosen by the Head Girl team. The fund aims to provide more students with the opportunity to experience a Norwich High education, regardless of financial circumstances. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the collection.

We are so grateful to all who attended and made this year’s Carol Service a truly memorable celebration of community and festive cheer.