Christmas concert

Who would have thought going to a Christmas carol concert would be such a special event?
 
But its two years since Stirling Choir gave their annual concert in *Holy Rude church in the shadow of Stirling castle and we went along tonight, nervously I must admit.
We did the requested lateral flow tests, geared ourselves up with warm clothing, after all it was taking place in a 12th century church, and armed ourselves with the obligatory masks.
 
We were assured social distancing would be in place, though to be honest it didn’t look like there was two metres between people but that is a moot point. We had one of the last seats at the back of the church so there was plenty of space around us.
 
Was it worth the hassle and the risk?  Yes there is something special about live music especially in a church and the sub text of it being Christmas made it quite an emotional and stirring event.  The programme consisted of sections of the Messiah interspersed with carols. Much of the rehearsals had taken place, with a reduced choir, on zoom, so it was something of a miracle that they were able to give such an outstanding performance.
 In the end it was glorious evening of uplifting singing and reaffirmation of the human spirit despite soaring omicron cases.

*Holy Rude church, founded in 1129, is the second oldest building in Stirling after the castle.