Each year we wonder if we will all meet again the following year in St Mary-in-the-Castle for the annual carol service and, so far, we have been able to do so. Current plans look promising and hopefully things will continue to improve, with increasing numbers of events returning to this venue, which is an essential part of the cultural life of Hastings.

There was an even better reason for rejoicing this year as the choir have a new musical director. His linguistic skills may not be as fluent as those of previous MDs but which of them could have turned to sing the tenor solo for O Holy Night at the drop of a hat and done so with such mellifluous charm. As a result Marcio da Silva has now set himself a standard which will require a solo from him each year, and audiences will surely not allow a performance to go by without one. His handling of the choir was as assured as his singing. Relaxed and positive, he communicated a level of enthusiasm which radiated from the stage. Opening with a brightly focused Gaudete and a bouncy Up good Christian folk, the concert moved through a virtually unaccompanied Jesus Christ the apple tree to two John Rutter settings, his own Candelight Carol and a familiar arrangement of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Between these and our own contributions we heard two extended interludes from Inspiratus Brass, a young and highly professional ensemble who know how to entertain as well as maintain high musical standards.

Hopefully we will not have to worry where we meet next year, and in the meantime we have a promise of Bach’s St John Passion on 6 April and a summer concert on 15 June. More details from www.hastingsphilchoir.org.uk  BH