Today I attended a Festival of Lessons and Carols by the Roden Boys Choir in the Martinikerk (St. Martin's church) in Groningen. I hadn't seen them in a few years and was impressed by their size and quality. They were always excellent but they have kept up their standards perfectly. I think there were 18 trebles and about 14 men, not counting at least 3 small probationers.
Some highlights, points to mention:
The soloist for Once in Royal David's City started the procession while holding a candle at the same time, which was quite moving and an impressive start of the service.
Alleluya, a new work is come at hand by Peter Wishart - gorgeous, the Alleluyas woven like a tapestry, executed beautifully. The echo in the church lasted quite some time and it was wonderful to hear that closing chord go up...
In the bleak midwinter (setting by Darke) - the first verse by a soloist who gave a proud smile after his long closing note, great to see - and hear! The atmosphere in the whole performance was very moving.
In dulci jubilo - wonderful in dynamics and build-up and directed very well, also the tempo - slower than Libera's version, really like a rocking lullaby.
Here is the little door - the beautiful and powerful chords of Howells sung very well here
Dormi, Jesu - by Rutter, I first heard it at the service from King's this year and thought it was strikingly beautiful. These boys and men also gave a great performance. The melody in the refrain is so lovely and then the closing part is so dissonant and different.
And then there was the organ accompaniment by Sietze de Vries who always plays the best at every organ he encounters, a true craftsman.
The choir celebrated its 30th anniversary this year and despite the impressive size and quality it was noted they are always on the lookout for new members each year. One boy sang his first concert today while one of the men was applauded for being in the choir almost for the entire three decades of its existence! Let's hope the future will be bright for this excellent choir
P.S. It was the first time I saw them perform in their new red robes but I didn't realise that until much later, that's how natural they look in their new robes
(to me, they're world champion Christmas singing). 
