Based in the South East of England Corra Sound are an established group of singers with a love for performing, discovering new repertoire, and celebrating the works of remarkably talented and often little known female-composers. Comprising a blend of professionally trained, and high level amateur voices, each member of Corra has their our own story to tell, but they share a passion for music written by women, that explores the reach and versatility of the female voice.
When I was discussing the 2023 project with Emma Johnson and mentioned that I was looking for a choir to come to us for Christmas, Emma suggested Corra Sound and said that she had performed with them before, with great success.
I am delighted therefore, to welcome both Corra Sound and Emma (twice in the same year, we’re so lucky!) to St Mary’s for our traditional candlelit carol concert. Having Emma return at Christmas will be a wonderful addition, and idea of the warmth and tone of a clarinet singing out in the candlelight the tune of Once in Royal, is a very evocative image indeed, and to be accompanied by a purely female choir is a fitting finish to what I hope will be an unusual and exciting season.
In previous years, tickets for our candlelit carol concert have been in high demand, and with the addition of Emma Johnson, this is another concert where I am anticipating tickets being in high demand.
The programme for this impressive concert is:
Once in Royal, 1st verse solo clarinet
Veni, veni Emmanuel, Winnie Bruckner
O Splendidissima Gemma, Stef Conner
Shia Bao Bao, trad. Chinese Christmas Cradle song, arr. Frances Roots Hadden with handbells
Clarinet solo – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas arr. Emma Johnson
In Dulci Jubilo, traditional German carol arranged R. L de Pearsall
Songs of Celebration, Emma Johnson No. 1 I sing of a Maiden
Songs of Celebration, Emma Johnson No. 4 There is no rose of such virtue
O Come all ye faithful
Cantique de Noël, Adolphe Adam, arr. George F. Strickling
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, arr. Emma Johnson
The Snow, Elgar
Veni Coronaberis, Sally Deere Jones
Hodie Christus Natus Est, Kelly-Marie Murphy
Clarinet solo – Variations on We Wish You a Merry Christmas
What child is this?, 16 th English Melody, arr. Linda Kerby
Wexford Carol, Amy Bebbington
Hark the Herald
Coventry Carol
Carol of the Bells
