THE Durham Cathedral Choir and the Reg Vardy Band joined musical forces for a glorious celebration of Christmas, with a programme combining the traditional and modern at Durham Cathedral.

Gentlemen of the choir and band opened with a rousing rendition of Gaudete, before the lights dimmed for the candlelit entrance of the boy and girl choristers.

They sang like a host of angels in a captivating performance of Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols.

Wolcum Yole was bright and breezy, while There is No Rose was delivered with crisp diction.

Special mention goes to girl chorister Flora Halford-MacLeod who rose to the occasion an evocative solo in That Yonge Child.

The polyphonic Balulalow was smoothly accomplished, while This Little Babe was dynamically paced by Master of the Choristers James Lancelot.

Accompanying them with sensitive playing throughout was harpist Venera Bojkova, who shone in her musical interlude.

In Freezing Winter Night was masterfully conveyed with frosty tones and trembling harp. The Spring Carol burst with renewed life, while the whole ended with sublime Recessional.

The Reg Vardy Band, under the baton of John Roberts, was in fine form. Among the many highlights was a brilliant account of Eric Balls’ The Kingdom Triumphant.

Roberts shaped the majestic sweep of the work, while teasing out the finest of detail. The brass was warmly balanced with choral forces in Carol of the Shepherds.

Other offerings from the choir included Dormi Jesu, The Lord of All and Christmas Fantasy.

The audience sang along lustily to hardy annuals, such as O Come All Ye Faithful, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen and While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night while Sub-organist Francesca Massey added to the musical mix in an evening that set the mood perfectly for the festive season.