Last night the Sime Hall played host to the second Christmas Carol Competition Final. Once again, we were delighted by the number and quality of entries and five carols were shortlisted for the final:

There is no rose – Orlando Oliver (Eton College)

Remember! – Catriona Stewart (St Alban’s High School for Girls)

Wake me tonight – Jessica Folwell (Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls)

A Cradle Hymn – Annie Chown (Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls)

Wolcum Yole – Kate Austin (Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls)

We were delighted to welcome back The Leading Ladies, a vocal trio with piano, to perform the shortlisted carols as well as a selection of pieces from their own repertoire. Thanks also goes to our adjudicator Philip Berg, Master of the Music at The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy, who gave insightful and constructive comments on each of the carols before revealing the winners.

Congratulations to Annie Chown, whose winning carol will be performed at the Carol Service at St Martin-in-the-Fields on Wednesday 18 December, and to Orlando Oliver who was declared runner-up. In a separate audience vote the decision was split between Annie and Jess Folwell.

All that remains now is to wish you all a very happy Christmas (maybe not just yet…)!