In the Renaissance, Advent—the weeks preceding the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas—was a time of wonder and reflection. Centuries-old carols tell this story, with some works presented here in their inherited form, others reimagined by skilled arrangers. This programme reaches across the ages: from the eternal beauty of the Tudor church right up to the twenty-first century, with each piece chosen to evoke a sense of mystery and joy.

Veni Emmanuel

Smith Square Hall

Begin your journey into Advent with the passion and precision of Tenebrae, as they sing a stunning programme ranging from Gregorian chant to a spirited version of much-loved traditional The Twelve Days of Christmas.  The centrepiece of the evening is Britten’s iconic A Ceremony of Carols for upper voices and harp – a series of captivating miniatures in which Britten sets haunting melodies alongside moments of joyous declamation. The programme also features the Tenebrae commission In Winter’s House by English composer Joanna Marsh, and traditional carols such as In the Bleak Midwinter and Silent Night to welcome in the festive season.

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Christmas with Tenebrae: In Winter's House

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

Sometimes the symbolism is clear, like in Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending; it beautifully depicts a soaring bird, brought to life by the solo violin. Joanna Marsh’s In Winter’s House draws from a fairy-tale like setting of light and dark text. Other pieces leave their narratives open to interpretation, like Coleridge-Taylor’s Four Noveletten (translated as ‘short stories’) which lets listeners’ imaginations run wild. 

Flights of Fancy

St Martin-in-the-Fields

Few composers have ever written a piece for young people (aged 5 to 105) that’s as fabulous, as fun and as thrillingly colourful as Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Great music belongs to all ages, whether it’s a playful Vaughan Williams ballet or Delius’ gorgeous musical daydreams. So today we’re also proud to present the latest in our hugely successful series of commissions for our terrific Youth Choirs and Orchestra, composed by Joanna Marsh and conducted by Ellie Slorach.

Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

England’s musical tradition is like a parchment on which voices have been superimposed over the centuries – from the Renaissance to the present day, from Thomas Tallis to Edward Elgar and Joanna Marsh. The RIAS Chamber Choir from Berlin and the Ensemble Resonanz make these layers resound and address the questions of farewell and transience as part of the International Music Festival »Ende«. An evening of requiem-like depth, in which the past resonates and the present pauses.

Joanna Marsh

Events

Upcoming events

May 30, 2026

Ensemble Resonanz / RIAS Chamber Choir Berlin / Justin Doyle · Elbphilharmonie

Past events

Dec 17, 2025

Veni Emmanuel · Sinfonia Smith Square

Dec 1, 2025

Christmas with Tenebrae: In Winter's House · Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

About

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