Back by popular demand, the second Myotubular Trust candlelit Christmas concert was again held at the beautiful St Luke’s Church, Balham on Friday 16th December.

The weather was somewhat kinder to us this year and whilst we missed the magic of the snowy setting, it did make for much easier journeys.

The bagpipe player was at the church entrance to greet guests who, once inside, were welcomed with a warm glass of mulled wine and freshly baked mince pies.

Having had a chance to warm up and enjoy the refreshments we were then treated to an astounding programme of music, carols and readings courtesy of an array of incredible people who donated their time and talent, in support of the Trust.

The concert opened with Handel’s Firework Music played by members of the orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. This was then followed by readings, beautiful musical pieces, and carols for everybody to stand and sing along to.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many talented musicians who supported the concert and provided us with such beautiful music; the many members of the orchestra of the Royal Opera House; Rob Murray, Tenor; Louisa Staples, Violin; Samuel Staples, Violin; David Thomas, Oboe; the Hornsby House Teachers' Choir, and the very impressive conductor, David Syrus, for directing the music so beautifully.

Our thanks go also to Louise Minchin, Stella Gonet and Nicholas Farrell who all did readings and to Mark Owen from Take That for serving mulled wine and mince pies ….. and finally, for giving a performance of his new song, The Lantern, which was performed in public for the first time, for the Myotubular Trust concert!

A very special thank you to Step Parikian for making the evening flow so seamlessly and apparently so effortlessly. And to Andy and Julie Staples of Northcote Music for arranging the musical programme.