Name: The Sixteen at Christmas
Start: 2024-12-14T19:45:00
Location: St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of Eric Whitacre's compositions. From the world premiere of 'The Gift of the Magi' alongside DCINY at Carnegie Hall in New York City to The Sixteen's ethereal Christmas performances in various locations, and the mesmerizing 'Taking Flight' concert by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Anne Akiko Meyers, there's something for every classical music lover to enjoy.

Experience the Magic of Eric Whitacre in New York and Beyond

Experience the magic of the holidays and beyond with The Sixteen's 'The Sixteen at Christmas' in Basingstoke and New York City, Ryan Person's choral excellence at Carnegie Hall, and the innovative orchestral performances by The Knights in New York City. Featuring the remarkable works of Reena Esmail, these events promise unforgettable evenings filled with beauty, wonder, and exceptional artistry.

Celebrate the Season with Musical Masterpieces in Basingstoke, NYC, and More

Experience the magic of Christmas with The Sixteen, a renowned choral ensemble bringing festive joy through enchanting performances in iconic venues. With events spanning from medieval carols to modern masterpieces, this Christmas season promises to be a celebration of music and mystery. From the timeless 'Messiah' in London to the heartwarming 'A Mother’s Love' in Amsterdam, join us as we delve into the compelling performances orchestrated by the skilled conductor Harry Christophers, and prepare to be enveloped in the harmonious spirit of the season.

Harmonies of the Season: Exploring The Sixteen's Yuletide Concerts

Harry Christophers

The Sixteen

Spain’s Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of the Renaissance. We devote our latest Choral Pilgrimage to pieces by two outstanding Spanish composers, exploring majestic works by Cristóbal de Morales, famed throughout Europe and in the New World, and the exquisite polyphony of Sebastián de Vivánco, whose intricately crafted counterpoint adorned services at the cathedrals of Ávila and Salamanca during the late 1500s.

Our programme also features spellbinding settings of words by Saint John Henry Newman: Sir James MacMillan’s Nothing in Vain for soloists and double choir and the world premiere of Kerensa Briggs’ Lead, Kindly Light, specially commissioned for the Choral Pilgrimage.

The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Liverpool

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Blackburn

Blackburn Cathedral

The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Cambridge

Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge

The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: London

Old Royal Naval College

St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, London

The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Newbury

Douai Abbey

When Sir James MacMillan writes a new choral work, the world takes notice, because few living composers write with more honesty and passion. With a span of around an hour, Angels Unawares is a major new statement from MacMillan coupled with a brilliant libretto written by Robert Willis, former Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, completed shortly before his untimely death in autumn 2024. Who better to give the work’s UK premiere than The Sixteen and the Britten Sinfonia, both tireless champions of MacMillan’s work?

Angels Unawares: London

Cadogan Hall 

When Sir James MacMillan writes a new choral work, the world takes notice, because few living composers write with more honesty and passion. With a span of around an hour, Angels Unawares is a major new statement from MacMillan coupled with a brilliant libretto written by Robert Willis, former Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, completed shortly before his untimely death in autumn 2024. Who better to give the work’s UK premiere than The Sixteen and the Britten Sinfonia, both tireless champions of MacMillan’s work?

Angels Unawares is commissioned and supported by the Genesis Foundation for Harry Christophers and The Sixteen.

The richly sensual choral music of Renaissance master Orlande de Lassus provides a stunning centrepiece. Music that speaks of love earthly and divine, his motets, masses and madrigals were written over 300 years ago. But they still have the immediacy and intricacy to resonate with us today, especially when heard in the lofty surrounds of stunning chapels, churches and cathedrals.

Daringly designed and stitched in fine detail, they are in fact tailored from scraps of other music, whether Lassus’ own, the music of his revered predecessor Josquin or the monochrome beauty of plainchant.

Masters of Imitation: Stockholm

Tyska kyrkan, Stockholm

The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Rochester

Rochester Cathedral

The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Exeter

Exeter Cathedral

The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Truro

Truro Cathedral

Join us for a day of singing, learning and vocal discovery with The Sixteen’s Choral Workshops for Wellbeing. These relaxed and welcoming workshops are designed for singers who want to enjoy making music together while also learning more about how to care for their voice.

The day begins with an introduction to vocal health before moving into singing. After a guided warm-up, participants spend the morning working on choral repertoire together, led by The Sixteen’s Associate Conductor Eamonn Dougan with members of The Sixteen Charlotte Mobbs (Vocal Habilitation Professional) and Julie Cooper (Nutritional Therapist). Through practical rehearsal and ensemble singing, you’ll explore beautiful repertoire while developing confidence, technique and vocal awareness.

Choral Workshop for Wellbeing: Rochester

King’s School Rochester

Christmas is a time for families and old friends – for well-loved tunes and good cheer. But it’s also a time of mystery and wonder: of silent nights, and sounds that echo across centuries. We’re delighted to be back at The Apex this Yuletide for two nights of beauty, wonder and seasonal joy. From medieval carols to visionary modern masterpieces, it all takes its inspiration from the story at the heart of the season: a baby in a stable, surrounded by simply heavenly singing.

The Sixteen at Christmas

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