![[LondonTown.com Header Image (Thames Scene)]](/LTtemplates/template_images/londontown.upper.logoheader.thamesscene-cc.jpg) |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
  |
|
A London Christmas 2008: Carols & Services
 
Download Article (PDF)
Music has always been at the heart of a British Christmas and London typifies this tuneful fascination. Charitable singers gather on street corners, church congregations swell and concert halls welcome world-class performers. Get inside some of the city’s finest venues, including historical landmarks like the Royal Albert Hall, or simply gather around the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square and join the rest of London for a good old-fashioned round of carols...
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A London Christmas 2008: Related Articles Sugar and Spice | Hotel Hideaways | Food and Flower Markets | Traditional Toys | Ice Skating | Festive Fairs | Shows and Pantos | Christmas Lights | Tinsel and Trimmings | Christmas Day and Boxing Day | Carols and Services | Butchers and Fishmongers | Greengrocers and Delicatessens   Cadogan Hall
5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ 020 7730 4500 | Sloane Square Tube Tuesday 9th - Tuesday 23rd December 2008 Cadogan Hall is a good spot for a festive concert. The Byzantine-style former church has an appropriately Middle Eastern Christian feel, which combines with the always-impressive lights along King's Road to give things a thoroughly seasonal feel. Here are some programme highlights and additional dates... Kit & The Widow 'The Second Coming' Wednesday 10th December 2008 A refreshing alternative to the season's traditional formats and tunes, lounge act, Kit and the Widow, offers a wry, funny, at times caustic, cabaret take on Christmas. A smattering of tunes, some tinkling of the ivories, a sprinkling of jokes and camp banter make up this evening's entertainment "at the Yuletide fireside". Date: Wednesday 10th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Pricing: £12-£25 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 'Christmas Cracker' Tuesday 16th December 2008 The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Nick Davies, performs a populist programme full of seasonal favourites, including Humperdinck's 'Hansel & Gretel Overture', Tchaikovsky's 'Waltz of the Flowers', 'Mary's Boy Child' and 'Winter Wonderland'. Vocalists Mary Carewe and Michael Dore lead the singing with the audience invited to join in at instances throughout. Date: Tuesday 16th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Pricing: £10-£35 For Christmas' Sake! London Gay Men's Chorus Saturday 20th December 2008 A rousing concert of Christmas classics from this much-loved gay choir. You're guaranteed to be toe-tapping along and leave the hall singing along to your favourite festive tunes and carols. They're billing it as a 'Christmas extravaganza' and this packed evening certainly is a must-see event to get you in the Christmas spirit! Date: Saturday 20th December 2008 Time: 3pm & 7.30pm Pricing: £15-£35 Additional Dates John Lewis Partnership Music Society's Annual Christmas Concert Tuesday 9th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Price: £5 (Adults), £3 (Children and Concs) Orchestra of the Kiev Academic Music Theatre - A Celebration Concert for Christmas Friday 12th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Price: £12-£35 Orchestra of St John's 'The Snowman' - Family Concert Saturday 13th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Price: £15-£35 Academy of Ancient Music - JS Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio' Sunday 14th December 2008 Time: 7pm Price: £15-£35 Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - Christmas Gala Concert Tuesday 23rd December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Price: £30-£80 Cadogan Hall - Information  Spitalfields Winter Festival
Christ Church, E1 6LY and other venues 020 7377 1362 | Liverpool Street Tube/Rail Tuesday 9th December - Thursday 8th January 2009 It's been an annual event for a long time now, but the Spitalfields Winter Festival is still going strong with a host of unique musical events which range from harp-playing to gospel workshops, lunchtime concerts and musical guided tours to carols and classical works. This varied programme of innovative music includes a tour de force through Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio' in a series of concerts, a magical mystery tour through the streets to recreate Scrooge's story in 'A Spitalfields Christmas Carol' and a behind the scenes look at John Eliot Gardiner in rehearsal with the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists. All concerts take place in and around the beautifully restored Christ Church in the heart of London's vibrant East End. Spitalfields Winter Festival - Information  Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP 020 7589 8212 | South Kensington Tube Saturday 13th December - Wednesday 24th December 2008 One of the capital's most iconic music venues, this 19th-century concert hall is famed for offering a wide variety of entertainments. Its Christmas programme is no exception, with a range of concerts to suit most tastes from the King's College Choir to a raucous, audience-led singalong. Here are a few highlights followed by some more dates... White Christmas Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Saturday 13th December, Friday 19th December, Sunday 21st December 2008 White Christmas offers up a familiar set of seasonal songs from 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire' to 'Silent Night' and 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas'... A proper selection of old-time favourites, this'll have you swaying and singing in your seat before the first song has finished. Led by the London Concert Orchestra and the Capital Voices Choir and conducted by John Rigby, West End stars Jacinta Whyte and Gary Williams take on a range of solo performances. Another jolly, populist hit in the Royal Albert Hall's Christmas calendar. Date: Saturday 13th December, Friday 19th December, Sunday 21st December 2008 Time: Sat 13th Dec 1.30pm & 4.45pm, Fri 19th Dec 2.30pm, Sun 21st Dec 1pm Pricing: £11.50-£36.50 Christmas Carol Singalong Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Sunday 14th December, Thursday 18th December, Saturday 20th December 2008 Get involved and help raise the roof at this annual audience participation festive extravaganza. Every year an ebullient crowd is encouraged to join in and give their lungs a good workout as they belt their way through a stack of traditional Christmas tunes. Accompanied by the London Concert Chorus and Orchestra and hosted by musical genius and 'Playschool' and 'Playaway' king, Jonathan Cohen, this is an informal, light-hearted event, which is traditionally full of atmosphere. This is always a staunchly populist "greatest hits" set, taking in anything from religious staples like 'O Come All Ye Faithful', to 'Rocking Around the Christmas Tree' and Bing Crosby's 'White Christmas'. Tickets for this London favourite are likely to sell out fast. Date: Sunday 14th December, Thursday 18th December, Saturday 20th December 2008 Time: Sun 14th Dec 2.30pm, Thu 18th Dec 2.30pm, Sat 20th Dec 1.30pm & 4.45pm Pricing: £11.50-£36.50 Messiah Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Sunday 14th December & Friday 19th December 2008 It's not really Christmas in London without a performance of Handel's 'Messiah' and the Royal Albert Hall is always pleased to oblige. This year the choral masterpiece is performed by a plethora of voices from three top choirs, along with soloists and the superb Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The Royal Albert Hall is a spectacular venue, a cathedral to the power of music, with one of the country's finest organs, and it is the perfect place for Handel's soaring redemptive hymn. Performers: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra | Goldsmiths Choral Union | Highgate Choral Society | English Concert Chorus | Lisa Milne - Soprano | Leah-Marian Jones - Alto | Peter Auty - Tenor | James Rutherford - Bass | Brian Wright - Conductor Date: Sunday 14th December & Friday 19th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Pricing: £11.50-£45 Royal Choral Society Christmas Carols Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Monday 15th December 2008 The Royal Choral Society brings a selection of traditional carols to the Royal Albert Hall this year. The programme includes, 'Once in Royal David's City', 'Of the Father's Heart Begotten', 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear', 'The First Nowell', 'God Rest You Merry Gentlemen', 'O Come, All Ye Faithful', and 'Hark! the Herald Angels Sing'. Conducted and introduced by Richard Cooke with John Birch (organ) and the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Band of the Grenadier Guards. Date: Monday 15th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Pricing: £11.50-£36.50 King's College Choir Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Thursday 18th December 2008 The world-famous choir of King's College Chapel presents what should be one of the best of this year's carols and classical music concerts. These concerts combine musical excellence and professionalism with a great deal of fun - the element of audience participation has a wonderful effect on the audience's appreciation of the music. From Bach/Gounod's 'Ave Maria' and Vaughan Williams' 'Fantasia on Christmas Carols' to Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Dance of the Tumblers' from 'The Snow Maiden', this year's programme promises something for all. Stephen Cleobury conducts the Philarmonia Orchestra and Chorus with Ruby Hughes (soprano), John McMunn (tenor) and Giles Underwood (bass). Date: Thursday 18th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Pricing: £11.50-£45 Additional Dates Christmas Carols with the Stars Monday 8th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Price: £10-£32 Clic Sergent Christmas Celebration Friday 12th December 2008 Time: 7pm Price: £30-£50 Classic Carols Saturday 13th December 2008 Time: 8pm Price: £11.50-£39.50 The BT Christmas Concert Tuesday 16th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Price: £11.50-£36.50 The Glory of Christmas Wednesday 17th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Price: £11.50-£36.50 Christmas Classics Saturday 20th December 2008 Time: 8pm Price: £11.50-£39.50 Santa's Christmas Cracker Monday 22nd December 2008 Time: 2.30pm Price: £11.50-£36.50 Carols by Candlelight Sunday 21st December - Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2008 Time: Sun 21st Dec 4.30pm & 8pm, Mon 22nd Dec 7.30pm, Tue 23rd Dec 7.30pm, Wed 24th Dec (Christmas Eve) 2.30pm & 7pm Price: £11.50-£41.50 Royal Albert Hall - Information  Southbank Centre - Voicelab Welcomes: The Voicelab Carols Sing-In
Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX 08716 632500 | Waterloo Tube/Rail Sunday 21st December 2008 One of a number of festive events taking place in and around the Southbank Centre in December, this robust carol singalong promises to be an energetic, raucous affair. With a set that can be described as traditional with a twist, expect some old favourites mixed up with some unexpected additions. Decorated in suitably festive fashion, the Ballroom forms the venue for this fun, free, seasonal sing-song. Songsheets provided. Venue: The Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre Address: Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Date: Sunday 21st December 2008 Time: 12.30pm Pricing: Free Southbank Centre - Information  Southwark Cathedral
London Bridge, SE1 9DA 020 7367 6700 | London Bridge Tube / Rail Thursday 4th December - Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2008 Dating back to the 13th century Southwark Cathedral is the oldest Gothic church in the city and boasts a colourful history (look out for the monuments to Edmund Shakespeare - the Bard's brother - and playwright John Fletcher) which goes towards forming a fine setting for a series of atmospheric annual services and concerts. There are various carol concerts (almost every other day) and seasonal services on throughout the month but here are some highlights and a couple of notable dates for your diary... GKT Music Society Christmas Concert Thursday 4th December 2008 A chance to usher in Christmas early on in December with the Guy's King's & St Thomas' Hospitals Music Society in a night of classical renditions, hearty carols and seasonal good cheer. Held in the auspicious surroundings of Southwark Cathedral the venue promises to match the standard of the music, which includes Vivaldi's 'Gloria', Tchaikovsky's '1812 Overture' and John Rutter's 'Star Carol' before everyone joins in with the Christmas carols. Afterwards, in the good old English tradition of going straight from church to the pub, there'll be post-concert drinks (venue announced on the night). Date: Thursday 4th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm Pricing: £10 (Adults), £7 (Concs) Midnight Mass Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2008 The mother church for the Anglican Diocese of Southwark, the cathedral attracts a huge crowd each year for its Midnight Mass despite the parish being comparatively small in terms of residents. Make sure you arrive early, approach the cathedral via a walk along the river if you have time and enjoy the build-up to this joyous celebration. Date: Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2008 Time: 11.30pm - arrive early to secure a space Pricing: Free Additional Dates 'Carols in the City' - Marie Curie Cancer Care Carol Concert Thursday 11th December 2008 Time: 7pm Phone: 0800 716146 Finnish Church Choir Concert Saturday 13th December 2008 Time: 12pm Phone: 020 7237 4668 Cathedral Sing-In Monday 17th December 2008 Time: 12.45pm Phone: 020 7367 6700 Cathedral Choir Concert Friday 19th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Phone: 020 7367 6717 Cathedral Carol Service Sunday 21st December 2008 Time: 6.30pm Phone: 020 7367 6700 Building the Crib Service Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2008 Time: 4pm Phone: 020 7367 6700 Eucharist with Carols Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2008 Time: 9am Phone: 020 7367 6700 Choral Eucharist Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2008 Time: 11am Phone: 020 7367 6700 Southwark Cathedral - Information  St Martin-in-the-Fields
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ 020 7766 1100 | Charing Cross Tube / Rail] Sunday 30th November - Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2008 Situated right in the middle of the city you might imagine St Martin-in-the-Fields to be a somewhat impersonal venue, but actually with its "ever-open" door the parish has a surprisingly welcoming, community feel about it and no more so than at Christmas. This December there are a range of new talents on show. Here are some musical highlights and special seasonal services... Christmas Four Seasons with Audience Carols Saturday 13th December 2008 Over the course of an early December evening, the London Musical Arts Ensemble weave a glorious blend of Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' masterpiece with Corelli's 'Christmas Concerto', Pachelbel's 'Canon' and some traditional Christmas carols. The Ensemble has been stalwarts at St Martin's since 1992 and, with conductor John Landor still at the helm, this concert promises to be a combination of sing-a-long fun and fleet, fresh finesse. Date: Saturday 13th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Pricing: £6-£25 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday 21st December 2008 Relive the story of the Nativity with the help of readings, carols and choral music. A family service, this is bound to be a popular event, and deservedly so for the choir here are excellent and the location and setting second to none. Pop over to the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square afterwards for some more festive cheer. Date: Sunday 21st December 2008 Time: 6.30pm Additional Dates Advent Carol Service Sunday 30th November 2008 Time: 6.30pm Advent Taize Sunday 7th December 2008 Time: 6.30pm Advent Meditation Sunday 14th December 2008 Time: 6.30pm Community Carols Tuesday 16th December 2008 Time: 6.30pm Crib Family Service Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2008 Time: 2.30pm Parish Carol Service Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2008 Time: 6.30pm Midnight Mass Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2008 Time: 11.30pm Christmas Day Eucharist Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2008 Time: 10.30am St Martin-in-the-Fields - Information  St Paul's Church Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED 020 7836 5221 | Covent Garden Tube Monday 1st - Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2008 An attractive, Inigo Jones-designed church (c.1633) positioned right opposite Covent Garden's market and piazza, St Paul's forms a suitably atmospheric setting for a series of festive concerts and services this Christmas. Included below are details on one of the concerts followed by some additional dates for your diary... Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight Sunday 14th December 2008 With a cast of professional actors performing readings from the King James Bible alongside costumed musicians this colourful, dramatised service should prove popular with families, locals and tourists alike. If you're planning on attending make sure you arrive early to get a space. Date: Sunday 14th December 2008 Time: 4pm Price: Free Concordia Foundation Candlelit Christmas Concert Saturday 20th December 2008 A good smattering of traditional carols combined with familiar classical pieces capture the essence of Christmas over the ages in this family-oriented Christmas concert. Starring a number of accomplished young musicians, the accessible programme combines works from Piazzola to Puccini, Bizet to Pablo Sarasate. All proceeds go to the Concordia Foundation. Phone: 020 7925 2545 Date: Saturday 20th December 2008 Time: 7.30pm Price: £15 (Adults), £11 (Concs) |
