THE 21st annual Christmas Concert of Clackmannanshire Choral Society went down a treat at the weekend.

It was the group’s first appearance under the auspices of new conductor Mike Nola and accompanist Lawrence Wright, taking place at St Mungos’ Parish Church on Saturday, December 8.

With modern arrangements by composers like Ray Charles and Howard Goodall as well as traditional carols, the appreciative audience was treated to a varied programme.

Isabel Watt, Vivien Fairchild (both soprano) and Ewart McAuslane (bass) performed solos while another highlight was a brass duet by Lawrence Wright on euphonium and David Hynd on trumpet – accompanied by Mike Nolan on the pipe organ.

Mike said: “The choir performed extremely well and enjoyed themselves as much as the audience who enthusiastically participated in the well-known carols.”

Viv Fairchild, choir president, also decided to surprise outgoing conductor Sandy Sinclair by presenting him with the title Music Director Emeritus in recognition of his distinguished and exceptional service.

Sandy said: “I was genuinely surprised and honoured to receive this title.

“If I’d known I would have worn a tie and put a clean handkerchief in my pocket!”

Adding to the concert was a beautiful festive setting with the church’s Festival of Light, something to be found on the pages of last week’s Advertiser.

It included more than two dozen Christmas trees, sponsored and decorated by local families and businesses and lighting visitors’ faces up as the festive season got into full swing across the country.

Next for the choir will be the spring concert and rehearsals will start early on Monday, January 7, when new members will be welcomed with no audition necessary.

The show itself is set to go ahead at the same venue on Saturday, April 27.

Viv added: “It was marvellous in my first concert as president to have such a successful and well received concert.

“I would like to thank everyone for their commitment and hard work and I look forward to the spring concert.”

Anyone looking to get in touch with Clacks Choral can visit clackschoral.webs.com or find the society on Facebook.