Christmas Music by Candlelight
Take an evening to escape the festive rush and immerse yourself in a concert of spellbinding music, a quietly beautiful celebration of mystery, wonder and the deep, still heart of the season, performed by candlelight. Expect some of your favourite carols, and discover a treasure trove of gorgeous new - and old - music and readings that explore the magic, humour and peace of Christmas.
Programme includes:
Away in a manger - WJ Kirkpatrick, arr. Willcocks
Bethlehem Down - Peter Warlock
Gentle Flame - Liz Dilnot Johnson
Hymn to the Virgin - Benjamin Britten
In the stillness - Sally Beamish
O Adonai - Roderick Williams
Once in royal David's city - HJ Gauntlett/C F Alexander
The Long Road - Ēriks Eŝenvalds
Thus Angels sung - Orlando Gibbons
Plus readings by George Herbert, Ben Okri, Gervase Phinn, and from the Gospel of Luke.
“Ex Cathedra stood out for the way they combine technical excellence with humanity and warmth. They’re seriously professional but also love the music into being, and I don’t think any choir in Britain does that better.” (Michael White, Catholic Herald)
The running time is approx. 2 hours 10 minutes, including interval.
You are invited to bring your own refreshments for the interval.
Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment as we are only giving three performances at St Paul's Church again this year.
Please note the start times carefully. Please also note that the concert on Saturday 20 December is a full-length concert with each half lasting 45-50 minutes. Families are welcome to attend but this is not the "Angels, Stars & Kings" family Christmas concert we have performed in the past.
EX CATHEDRA
Jeffrey Skidmore conductor
Nicholas Wearne organ
How to book
£48 / £38 / £28 / £21 including per ticket commission
£15 - aged 18-30, not in full-time education
£8 - 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 operates a Ticket Exchange Scheme if your plans change.
Getting there
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 the Jewellery Quarter station. Multiple buses serve the Jewellery Quarter - find more here.
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, which you will find just around the corner from the main door. An accessible toilet is located inside 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.
This concert is not amplified. Readings will be amplified, using a hearing loop wherever available.
You may like to note that each half of this concert will be performed as an uninterrupted sequence and the atmosphere will be quiet and still for extended periods. 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 says
"Christmas is always special and I look forward with great relish to programming our 13 Christmas Music by Candlelight concerts in Birmingham, London and around the region."
