The second first was the premiere of the Irish ballad Star of the County Down. This was Matthew’s first arrangement specially for the choir and it was enthusiastically received by the packed audience.
The last first was the debut performance by six of the 20 new members attracted to the successful Open Evening in October. They joined the choir on stage for the last set and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Many more of their contemporaries are expected to stage at the next concert on 17 February.
Amid all these firsts, the programme included audience participation carols. The choir has established its own tradition by singing While Shepherds Watched to the Yorkshire hymn tune Cranbrook. As soon as the audience recognised it as the familiar Ilkley Moor Baht ‘At they sang along gustily.