Advent is here and winter begins on Thursday, so it is the perfect time for a concert of carols and readings as Christmas approaches.
There are many to choose from, but one of the hottest draws in 2022’s festive calendar is in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity featuring the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir this Sunday 4 December in Stirling.
Military Wives Choirs, both an independent charity and a subsidiary of SSAFA that supports women across the military community, has celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2022 with a range of concerts across the UK.
Mary Kenyon, Branch Chairman Forth Valley, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that West of Scotland Military Wives Choir will be performing in Stirling for us, bringing its unique blend of style and repertoire to what promises to be an exciting, and I dare say moving, evening of festive songs, readings, and companionship.
“Military Wives Choirs has done so much in its magical first decade to bring companionship and support – values of course shared with SSAFA – to women whose serving spouses are deployed far from home overseas.”
As well as the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir, the Royal Highland Education Trust Choir will join on the evening for pieces featuring both choirs and each alone. Included in the concert will be the traditional opening carol of Once in Royal David’s City and a medley featuring It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Hark the Herald Angels, and the Carol of the Bells.
Also taking part will be Shona Mackay, a celebrated Glasgow-based composer, arranger, conductor, and lecturer who studied composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and holds a PhD from the University of St Andrews.
Her music has been performed internationally and she has worked with a variety of ensembles including the Glasgow School of Art choir, the Brodick Quartet, Hebrides Ensemble, and Red Note.
Shona took up the post of Musical Director for the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir in 2021 and also conducts The Cumbernauld Choir.
Mary added:
“This concert is a great way to celebrate Christmas and support our Armed Forces at the same time, remembering the sacrifices made during conflict and during peace, so please join us if you can.”
The concert, with refreshments, takes place at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Albert Place, Stirling, FK8 2RG at 6.30pm on Sunday December 4.
Admission is £5, and children under 10 can enter for free. Tickets are available on the at the door, or to reserve, call 01786 870360.
For more information about the branch’s work supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families, visit ssafa.org.uk/forth-valley.
