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 from the crypt.
Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
EX CATHEDRA
Jeffrey Skidmore conductor
Rupert Jeffcoat organ
Please note the start time is 7pm this year.
How to book
£55 / £45 / £35 / £25 / £17.50 plus £3.95 transaction fee
Book online or call St Martin-in-the-Fields box office on 020 7766 1100
Other opportunities to hear Ex Cathedra
Do join us again on Thursday 28 May for the ethereal and extraordinary choral masterpiece that is Rachmaninoff's Vespers - don't miss it! Find details and booking here.
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 here.
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."
