Chorus of approval

Is there anything more essential to one’s well-being than the sound of an English choir at evensong? Is there, for that matter, any word in our language more beautiful than ‘evensong’, with its evocation of architecture, music and the Anglican liturgy? This is the season to reflect on such matters. On Christmas Eve, Cambridge once again becomes the centre of the world for two hours as the choristers of King’s College celebrate the famous festival of carols and lessons and two days before, in St John’s, Smith Square, the choir of Trinity College will perform Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment.

Moreover, they will be singing from memory. ‘It is a work we have spent a lot of time on,’ says Stephen Layton, the choir’s music director, ‘and we shall never tire of it. One never tires of Bach.’

In his six years with the 30-strong mixed-voice choir, Layton has helped them add another layer to their reputation.