The “I can’t hear you” routine is an essential part of every panto, and it has become a staple at the Oxford Bach Choir’s annual Carols for All concert. Mind you, conductor Timothy Byram-Wigfield develops it with much more refinement than the average panto dame: he gently asks one side of the Sheldonian audience whether they can hear the other side. The answer is, of course, “No!” This all takes place during a performance of The Twelve Days of Christmas, with the audience being divided into 12 singing sections.

This year the routine only collapsed twice — not bad going. And which section sang best? Absolutely no comment, I don’t want any poison pen letters winging my way. The concert had set off with the Bach Choir delivering Jingle Bells at a snappy pace, and with pin-sharp diction. Then nicely contrasted David Willcocks arrangements of Sussex Carol, Infant Holy and Ding dong! Merrily on High.

A Willcocks arrangement featured again when the Bach Choir joined forces with the specially-formed Oxfordshire Young Singers for Away in a Manger. The Singers (conductor Anne Paul Jones) had earlier sparkled in their own set, beginning with Christmas Chopsticks, and ending with a hilarious interpretation of Jan Holdstock’s You can’t dodge the census, complete with hand movements. The Oxfordshire Youth Brass Ensemble, directed by Mike Prowen, featured too: starting with Christmas Crackers, they handled some tricky moments and sharp speed changes with confidence. Then it was back to the Bach Choir for carols by Bob Chilcott, John Rutter, and John Gardner — whose death at 94 has just been announced.

This jolly occasion delivered bags of good Christmas sparkle. Spirited singing was greatly aided by slick stage management of the different groups, and by Ghislaine Reece-Trapp’s deft organ accompaniment — she achieved miracles on the Sheldonian’s dreary electronic instrument.