YEAR 10 chorister Anna Willis sang to a star-studded audience at NSPCC London’s annual Carols by Candlelight service in London last week, helping to raise over £17,500 for the children’s counselling service, ChildLine.
In addition to traditional carols and musical performances, the service featured readings by special guests including HRH The Countess of Wessex, Sir Michael Caine, Sir David Frost and Baroness Floella Benjamin.
Representing King’s Ely and Ely Cathedral Girls’ Choir (ECGC) at the high profile event, held at Christ Church Spitalfields, Anna opened the concert with a solo performance of the first verse of ‘Once in Royal’ for the Choir of Selwyn College, University of Cambridge.
Sarah MacDonald, who is Director of both Selwyn Choir and ECGC, said: “Selwyn Choir has performed at NSPCC London’s annual Carols by Candlelight service for the last four years. When I was aske
d to provide a soloist for the opening, I was delighted to be able to offer the opportunity to one of the girls from ECGC. Not only does this give ECGC more national exposure, it also helps King’s Ely and Ely Cathedral to support such an inspirational children’s charity at a time of year when remembering those who are less fortunate than ourselves is so very important.”
Anna (left, in red and white) © Avery-Green Photography 2012. Above: Sarah meets the Countess of Wessex