THE Church of the Ascension in Malvern Link attracted a large audience on the evening of December 23 when The Jenny Lind Singers gave their annual Christmas Concert.
They began with a candlelit procession to Hodie from Britten's Ceremony of Carols and from that moment the audience knew they were to be transported into the realms of angels’ voices.
Directed by the inspirational Lynne Lindner and accompanied sensitively by Tim Sidford, the Singers made a wonderful sound which, as one member of the audience commented, “was as though we were in heaven”.
The programme included well-loved festive music and anniversaries were marked by Stille Nacht, sung in German to mark the 100th anniversary of The Christmas Truce, and The Snow, by Elgar, which was composed 100 years ago.
The Jenny Lind Singers are named after the renowned Swedish Nightingale, who lived in Malvern for the latter part of her life and it is testimony to their standing in the world of music that Sarah Jenny Dunsmore, Jenny Lind’s great-great-granddaughter, has recently agreed to be their Patron. Sarah is also an Honorary Member of The Jenny Lind Society in Sweden.
The Singers comprise young women who all have fine individual voices, which blend to make this magical sound. They all began their musical training in Malvern and return twice or three times each year to perform in this area. On this occasion, the acoustic of the church contributed to the beauty of the sacred music they delivered. They have a varied repertoire, however, so keep a look out for their next performance – it will be an event not to be missed!
SARAH MUSGRAVE
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