The Manchester Carols - St Andrew's Parish Church

A modern retelling of the Christmas story in words and music. Despite the title, The Manchester Carols links to Inverurie as well as places around the world where there is conflict. Composed by Sacha Johnson Manning with story and lyrics by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, it promises to give a different slant on Christmas while keeping sight of the traditions.
Under the direction of James G.R. Campbell, the choir is joined by pianist Catriona Mackenzie and soloists Ross Cumming and Susannah Thomasson.

"Sasha Johnson Manning's tunes are like a gift from heaven. The melodies range from hauntingly moving laments to catchy expressions of festive jollity, ranging through
innocence, tenderness and foreboding to hope and reassurance. As melodies they stand as equals alongside the best of Warlock, Howells, Darke, Hadley and Rutter.
...Carol Ann Duffy gives them additional resonance [as...her] lyricist." Paul Vallely
These carols are for everybody, the believer and the non-believer, people of other faiths, the curious and anyone wishing to join in the Christmas celebrations.