Christmas Concert 2024

Published by The Royal School Dungannon on Wednesday 18th of December 2024

On the night of Monday the 9th of December the RSD assembly hall was transformed into a festive musical spectacle, providing a very eager audience with a glimpse of Christmas. The curtain was drawn open and the house lights were cut, marking the start of the 2024 Royal School Dungannon Christmas Concert.
The evening was opened with the RSD Symphonic Band’s impeccable performances of ‘Fanfare On Adeste Fideles’ and ‘Carol Of The Bells’. The band’s Fanfare was a lively and fast paced medley of various well known Christmas songs, which instantly brought a sense of home and nostalgia to the hall. In their second song, Carol Of The Bells, the racing tempo and mighty crescendo allowed the RSD musicians to skillfully conjure the perfect Christmas ambiance. The band also united the whole audience by leading us in two well known, much loved Christmas carols, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’. The hall became filled with a joyous merry tune encapsulating the RSD Christmas Concert.
The musical part of the programme also contained two wonderful woodwind ensembles. The trio consisted of three junior pupils Harry Whiteside, Scarlett Weir and Peter Cather. They were accompanied by Mr Cuddy on the piano and played ‘The Holly and The Ivy’. Later in the programme, Andrea Agnew & Lucy Orr performed ‘Silent Night’ as a flute duet. These universally loved Christmas song had an upbeat melody which the musicians held throughout allowing them to portray the song’s jolly, festive feel.
We heard a charming and bright vocal ensemble from four year 9 girls, Sammie-Lou Robinson, Sarah Needham, Tori Beckett and Isabella Kinkead. The girls were accompanied by Mr Henning on the piano whilst they effortlessly sang a touching and emotional religious song, ‘Hallelujah’. The four girl voices blended beautifully together to create a sweet euphonious sound which filled the hall and touched hearts.
Two senior pupils, Actin Au and Isaac Leung, then took to the stage. The two pupils performed a piano and clarinet duet of a ‘Frozen Medley’ which they arranged themselves. Their self arranged medley had the audience frozen in utter amazement as the piece had musical intricacies and complexities worthy of a standing ovation.
The RSD Senior Choir, under the leadership of Mr Henning, did not disappoint and showed how they could flawlessly and harmoniously change their collective voice from one song to another with a starkly contrasting tempo, dynamic and feeling. The first song the Senior Choir performed was ‘Sleigh Ride’, the lyrics and warm, inviting smiles from the choir encapsulated the feeling of a precious childhood Christmas filled with fun wintertime activities. The Choir followed this lively, joyful song with a more reflective and religious performance, singing ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’. This song was set in a minor key and had layered melodies which allowed the piece to develop and tell a story, sucking the audience into the Choirs performance. The magical voices beautifully reflected on the birth of Jesus and gave an emotional feel to an extremely impenetrable piece of music.
We had two more senior vocal duets, two poised and skilled vocalists. First, Jamie Creaney and Mia Cassidy performed ‘Once Upon A Christmas’ and exceptionally embodied the original performers of the song, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Also, Megan Chambers and Madison Weir performed ‘When We’re Together’, a musical theatre piece from the famous Elsa and Anna of Arendelle. Both duos gave excellent performances and delivered their songs with confidence, charisma and charm, winning the hearts of the audience.
As soon as the wild goose chase for Mr Henning and Mr Cuddy was put to an end the Chamber Choir gave us an acapella song entitled ‘African Noel’. This song overflowed with fun, exotic and fast paced rhythms, giving the audience the chance to hear and feel a different perspective on Christmas instead of just our typical, traditional Northern Irish Christmas. The Choirs’ jollity, warmth and camaraderie with each other enticed the audience.
The second part of the Christmas Concert was in Mrs Jackson’s words “full of chaos, madness and joy!” A parallel to many of our own Christmases. This came from the magic the RSD Junior Drama’s performance gave to us. Their performance of Roald Dahl’s book Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’ was completely captivating. Over the course of the second act 49 talented, hardworking, dedicated children, from across junior school, took to the stage. The excitement and enthusiasm the children had when performing oozed out in their portrayal of the character’s and created a thrilling and spirited watch. The use of props like the home-made boat added to the incredible performance and allowed the children to embody their roles. It was clear to see the effort and dedication the teachers, cast and senior helpers put into the performance, which undoubtedly paid off when the chuckling and laughing echoed around the hall.

Thanks to Hannah Moore (Year 14) for this review.