Programmes are now available for the eagerly-awaited annual ‘Christmas Carols from St Mark’s’ event which takes place on Friday, December 2.
It combines the sounds of Portadown Ladies Choir and Portadown Male Voice Choir – conductor Gordon Speers – and, as ever, features excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and a selection of carols.
They will be accompanied by organist Richard Campbell, who will also play a couple of solos during the evening.
The special guest this year is talented young tenor John Porter from Lifford County Donegal, who is making a name for himself in the cultural scene of Ireland and is in big demand over the Christmas period as soloist in various productions of The Messiah.
He was one of five young singers recently selected to sing in a competition by NI Opera, the prize being £2,000 and a chance to perform alongside Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in the Belfast festival.
Items from the combined choirs include John Rutter’s Angel Carol and the ever-popular O Holy Night, and the audience will be joining in well-loved carols like While Shepherds Watched and See Amid the Winter Snow.
The programme subscription is £8 and they can be had from the Portadown Times office in Church Street, Winnie’e Newsagents in Woodhouse Street, Wray Cleaners in Edward Street, and Gordon Speers Carpets in Bridge Street. Programmes will also be available at the door on the night.