Waverley Singers’ A Tapestry of Sound’ concert at the Church of St Lawrence in Alton on November 30 certainly lived up to its name.

Conductor Richard Pearce sets his singers a challenge - this time it was 16 pieces in a range of styles from across the centuries celebrating the mystery of Advent and the coming of Christmas.

From the simple plainsong of the Advent Prose (Rorate Coeli), sung by baritone soloist Edward Price, which opened the concert, to Charles Wood’s cathedral anthem O Thou, The Central Orb that preceded the final audience carol, the choir’s ability to perform in such a variety of genres, supported by admirable organist Philip Scriven, was impressive.

The main work, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, weaves together less familiar English carols, each telling part of the story of the coming of Christmas. The solos were beautifully and expressively sung by Edward Price, words and music in perfect harmony.

The audience of 200 magnificently sang old favourite carols and the less well known Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, arranged by Stephen Cleobury, which created a powerful image to remind us of the weight of this festive season.

A retiring collection for Basingstoke and Alton Cardiac Rehab raised £875.

Contributed