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.
Refreshments will be available to purchase during the interval.
Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
EX CATHEDRA
Jeffrey Skidmore conductor
Nicholas Wearne organ
This concert is co-presented by Ex Cathedra and Lichfield Festival, with the kind support of the Festival's Principal Partner, McArthurGlen West Midlands.
How to book
£40 / £35 / £30 / £25 / £18
£15 - aged 18-30, not in full-time education
£8 - under 18s and students in full-time education
Once booking opens, you can select your seats and book online via the link on this page, or call 01543 306 271.
Other opportunities to hear Ex Cathedra
We would be thrilled if Lichfield audiences would like to come and hear our concerts in Birmingham. In spring 2026 you can hear us perform exquisite music from the French Baroque, our Scholars present music inspired by nature and love, and we have a poignant Good Friday Bach St John Passion at Symphony Hall.
And we are thrilled that we will be back at Lichfield Cathedral in July as part of Lichfield Festival with a choral masterpiece, the Rachmaninoff Vespers on Friday 10 July. Find details here, and please save the date!
Access
Everyone is welcome at our concerts, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure you have a great experience.
Detailed access information is available on the cathedral website here. Gently ramped access is available via the main door at the West End of the cathedral. (The main entrance for audiences without access needs will be the south transept this year due to the location of the stage at the west end of the nave.)
Designated, discounted seats have been allocated for wheelchair users and companions on the ends of rows; please telephone 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."
