Britten and Bach at Christmas

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Sunday 15th December 2024

Doors 4.15pm

Event start 5pm

Eclectic Voices will be joined by world-renowned tenor (and old friend of the choir) Adrian Thompson. The concert will be anchored by Britten’s cantata Saint Nicolas, suggested by Adrian who worked with Britten as a boy. Also participating will be EV’s juniors, Highbury Youth Choir, in an ideal context to show off their prowess performing a piece where children's voices are essential, and Jonathan Eyers, baritone from New Zealand.

Saint Nicolas is considered one of the more remarkable creations in 20th century music for its subject (stories of the 4th-century bishop’s life), its structure and performing forces – combining choirs of adults, children and congregation/audience – and its masterful use of original music, thematic devices, hymn tunes, tenor solo, piano duet, organ, strings and percussion.

We’ll also be performing another Britten piece, Cantata Misericordium, which tells the story of the Good Samaritan, and Bach’s lush Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland. The first half of the concert will be opened by Scott Stroman’s (EV musical director) So Hallowed and So Gracious is the Time, which again allows our choirs and soloists to shine. The second half opens with Eric Whitacre’s ethereal and much-loved Lux Aurumque, a real treat for the ears!

More Information:

For Accessibility, please click here.

The venue is seating only. All seats are unreserved and are taken on a first come first serve basis. Please arrive early before event door times if you have preferred seats. Due to the nature of our venue, please be prepared to queue for entry.

The venue is fully accessible, with use of ramps. Please email [email protected] with your accessibility requirements as soon as you purchase your ticket as requests are dealt with on a first come, first serve basis.

An array of soft drinks and snacks will also be available and are permitted in the main space - please note the Union Chapel bar and kiosk accept card payment only. Strictly no food or drink may be brought from outside into the venue. Water bottles must be emptied before entering the venue, with refilling stations available inside.

The bar will not be open during this event.