Hosted by Reverend Canon Lisa Barnett, the concert combined traditional carols with some less familiar choral and orchestral works. These included arrangements by orchestra leader Ben Dowsett of the Coldplay song Viva La Vida and a Hogwarts-Ukrainian Christmas carol. Collyer’s sinfonia played works by Handel and Bartok. Jazz musicians from previous eras will be delighted to hear that jazz is flourishing at the college and the Collyer’s ensemble played pieces by Duke Ellington and Herbie Hancock. Mulled wine and mince pies were available afterwards.

The evening raised over £300 for the Richard Collyer Union’s chosen charities, The What Would Mia Do Trust, and Doctors Without Borders. The concert was a very enjoyable celebration of Christmas and Old Collyerians are always welcome to attend.