The audience was held spellbound at the world premiere of a Christmas oratorio, The Wiseman Time Forgot, in Wiveliscombe.

It was the highlight of a Christmas concert performed by Wiveliscombe Town Band, Wiveliscombe Community Choir, guest performers and a narrator, and was written by the band’s musical director, 21 year old Chris Grabham. It was given a standing ovation.

When the rector welcomed the audience of 223 to St Andrew’s Church for the Christmas concert, he created an atmosphere of expectation. They were not to be disappointed!

The concert opened with ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, with Jude Smy’s splendid solo performance. The audience joined in with gusto.

The choir, led by Tom Morrell, delighted the audience with favourite Christmas songs ‘Walking in the Air’, ‘Let it Snow’ and ‘White Christmas’.

The audience demonstrated their singing prowess with spirited renditions of ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’, and the town band played ‘Christmas Crackers’, ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ and ‘Believe’. The latter featured another excellent solo, by JJ Morrell.

A performance of ‘Jingle Bell Boogie’, including players from the training band, brought a most enjoyable experience to a close.

Ian C Dunford