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

Newport Classical presents a modern twist on a timeless Christmas tradition with Cantus’s Lessons and Carols for Our Time. The acclaimed low-voice ensemble, known for their trademark warmth and blend, returns to Newport after an enchanting, sold-out performance in 2023. Perfect for families and classical music aficionados alike, this hour-long concert beautifully blends poetry with sacred and secular music by reimagining the beloved Nine Lessons and Carols format made famous by the Choir of King’s College at the University of Cambridge. With a special appearance by the Professional Choristers of The Choir School of Newport County, this promises to be a moving holiday experience that celebrates the spirit of the season.

Cantus at the Mansion: Songs of the Season

Rosecliff

In the run up to Christmas, Wigmore Hall welcomes groups of various kinds, specialists in various repertoires, all intent upon celebrating the festive season in style. Tenebrae launches the season with a wide selection of carols for all tastes.

Tenebrae

Wigmore Hall

The acclaimed vocal ensemble Gentlemen Singers has accepted an invitation to our special concert in May. In the opening notes of Echos of Folksongs by Leoš Janáček, we can hear the young composer influenced by folk music, his travels in Moravia and his first experiences as a choirmaster.

In stark contrast there are the Brigand Songs commissioned from Bohuslav Martinů at the end of his life by the Prague Teachers’ Choir (I) and the Moravian Teachers’ Choir (II).

For the May concert, Gentlemen Singers, together with the violinist Lucia Fulka Kopsová, will also perform Zdeněk Lukáš’s song cycle Spring is Coming, whose choral works are inspired by folk motifs and are characterized by melodic inventiveness, rhythmic vitality and ability to express strong emotions.

Jonathan Rathbone

Events

Upcoming events

May 4, 2026

Lukáš. Vičar. Janáček · Prague Philharmonia

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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