Christmas Music by Candlelight
Immerse yourself in the serene embrace of this popular, atmospheric concert - where hushed anticipation and spellbinding seasonal music fills the air, and the choir is enveloped in the soft glow of candlelight.
We perform a seamless sequence of Christmas favourites, little-known gems and gorgeous new music, interspersed with a selection of readings, to explore the magic, mystery - and humour - of the season.
Programme includes:
Gentle Flame Liz Dilnot Johnson
O come, O come, Emmanuel French C13th
Sussex Carol English traditional
My Lord has come Will Todd
Away in a manger Kirkpatrick arr. Willcocks
My Guardian Angel Judith Weir
The Lamb John Tavener
Sir Christémas William Mathias
While shepherds watched their flocks (Ilkley Moor)
Joy in the morning John Joubert
Gaudete! 1582 arr. Skidmore
Coventry Carol 1591 ed. Savan
Stars Eriks Esenvalds
Ring out wild bells world premiere Liz Dilnot Johnson
Love is come again Alec Roth
See amid the winter's snow John Goss
Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment, particularly as we are giving fewer performances at St Paul's Church this year.
Running time approx. 2 hours 10 minutes, including interval.
You are invited to bring your own refreshments for the interval at St Paul's and you may like to bring a cushion for your comfort.
Please note that the 4pm concert on Saturday 21 December is not the "Angels, Stars & Kings" family version of the concert. Families are welcome to attend but this will be the full-length concert with each half lasting 45-50 minutes.
EX CATHEDRA
Jeffrey Skidmore conductor
Nicholas Wearne organ
How to book
£45 / £36 / £27 / £15 including per ticket commission
£15 - aged 18-30, not in full-time education
£5 - under 18s and students in full-time education
Book online or call the B:Music box office on 0121 780 3333
Ex Cathedra is an Associate Artist at Symphony Hall & Town Hall (B:Music venues)
Buy 2+ concerts & save up to £9.50 per ticket
There are considerable savings if you book 2 or more tickets at the same time from the B:Music box office. Find full details on our Ways to save page.
B:Music operate a Ticket Exchange Scheme should your plans change.
How to find the venue
St Paul’s Church is located in St Paul’s Square in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Roadside parking is available nearby and the NCP Newhall Street is nearby.
It’s a 15 minute walk from New Street Station, 7 minutes from Snow Hill Station or 10 minutes from Jewellery Quarter Station.
Access
Everyone is welcome at Ex Cathedra’s concerts, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure you have a great experience.
Level access is via the northwest door at St Paul's Church. An accessible toilet is located in the church by this entrance. Designated, discounted seats have been allocated for wheelchair users and companions as the church has box pews; please call the box office to book these.
These concerts are not amplified, the atmosphere can be quite still, and audiences usually reserve applause for the end of each half.
If you have any other access questions, please contact us, we are happy to help.
Concert FAQs
Find answers to your questions here. Do let us know if we've missed anything you'd find helpful.
Jeffrey's introduction to the season
"The two solstice concerts - Summer Music and Christmas Music - have for a long time attracted large audiences with their mix of a diverse range of music and poetry presented and choreographed to explore the architecture and acoustic of the beautiful buildings in which we are privileged to perform... For many people Christmas Music by Candlelight represents the start of Christmas. This year’s unique programme is still a secret but will contain the usual eclectic mixture of seasonal goodies. Book early!"
