Old Salopians gather to sing at St Mary-le-Bow in London

The Epiphany Carol Service is a highlight of the Salopian Arts Calendar.

Just when the festive season seems like a distant memory there is a final reminder of the ongoing Christmas story as we celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem. In the darkest days of January the Salopian Choir assemble and with just one hour's rehearsal produce a treat for the ears and the soul.

We are extremely lucky to have a wealth of top drawer musical talent in the Salopian Club. The service is organised by Richard Eteson (G 1989-93) who is an acclaimed composer and tenor and Patrick Craig (Ch 1982-87), countertenor and a Vicar Choral at St Paul's Cathedral. It was wonderful to hear them sing together as soloists along with professional operatic bass Andrew Tipple (M 2000-05).

Every year a new carol is commissioned from a musician in the Salopian community. This year Charis Virgo (MSH 2013-14/G 2014-15) became the first female Old Salopian to write a piece for this event. Her setting of Isaiah 60 1-6 to music was a wonderful, joyful expression of the hope expressed in those Bible verses.

Peter Fanning (staff 1981-2012) put together a series of readings to complement the music and everyone who attended agreed it was a transcendent experience. 

Afterwards choir and congregation repaired to a local pub for conversation, food and drink. Please look out for more arts events all over the country and bring your friends and family.