As the season turns festive, we cherry-pick 10 unmissable concerts this winter, from Classic FM’s partners across the UK.
From unmissable concerts to steadfast festive must-sees, the winter season is one of the greatest times of the year for excellent live music.
So, whether ’s Messiah is a core part of your Christmas tradition, or you’re looking for a family friendly concert to liven up the holidays, here are 10 brilliant events from Classic FM’s partner orchestras and choir this winter.
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Throughout December: The Sixteen at Christmas
The Voices of Classic FM, The Sixteen, take a choral Christmas on tour across the UK this winter season, from Gateshead to Saffron Walden. Together with conductor Harry Christophers, they present a guaranteed evening of delight ranging from contemporary carols by Gabriel Jackson and Cecilia McDowall, to long-beloved traditional favourites.
When? Throughout December
Where? Venues throughout the UK
How much? Ticket prices vary by venue
1–9 December: Royal Northern Sinfonia present ‘Christmas by Candlelight’
This December, Classic FM’s Orchestra in North-East England and at Sage Gateshead, offer up a classical festive feast, from Corelli’s ‘Christmas Concerto’ to Pärt’s Trisagion, plus brilliant music by Biber, , and .
When? Thursday 1 to Friday 9 December, 7.30pm
Where? Sage Gateshead
How much? Tickets from £5
The Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by Martin Yates, performing at Classic FM Live in 2014. Picture: Alamy 4 December: Philharmonia Orchestra present Christmas at the Movies
Classic FM’s Orchestra on Tour, the , invite you to join them for an afternoon of music from family-favourite festive films, from Love Actually and Home Alone, to Elf and Danny Elfman’s spine-tingling score to The Nightmare Before Christmas.
When? Sunday 4 December, 2:30pm
Where? Royal Festival Hall, London
How much? Tickets from £19
The Nightmare Before Christmas. Picture: Alamy 4 December: Philharmonia Orchestra present Handel’s Messiah
The Philharmonia Orchestra and the voices of 350 singers descend upon the south bank of London to perform a rousing piece of music that has become a seasonal staple: Handel’s monumental Messiah.
When? Sunday 4 December, 7:30pm
Where? Royal Festival Hall, London
How much? Tickets from £20
This is Jeanine de Bique, an amazing soprano singing Handel’s Messiah14 December: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra perform Handel’s Messiah
The festive season wouldn’t be complete without Handel’s Messiah, and this concert by Classic FM’s Orchestra in the South of England is sure to be among the best this year. The are joined by the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus for their performance, under the direction of Laurence Cummings.
When? Wednesday 14 December, 7:30pm
Where? Lighthouse, Poole
How much? Tickets from £6
15 December: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Cake Concert
Musicians of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra continue their Cake Concert series, as part of their ongoing work to bring music and entertainment to those living with dementia.
This December, a flute, harp, and cello trio bring a blend of classical and popular favourites to the Poole community, with free cake and hot drinks during intervals.
When? Thursday 15 December, 2:30pm
Where? The Spire, Poole
How much? Tickets £5
Members of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Picture: Alamy 15-16 December: A CBSO Choral Christmas with Alan Titchmarsh
Classic FM’s very own joins the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the CBSO Choruses for an evening of festive cheer, full of traditional carols and new Christmas classics.
When? Thursday 15 & Friday 16 December, 7:30pm
Where? Symphony Hall, Birmingham
How much? Tickets from £26
15-18 December: RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman
Classic FM presenter is in Scotland for a magical concert by Classic FM’s Orchestra in Scotland, the and their choruses. The family-friendly concert features carols for all to sing along to, plus the RSNO perform the magical soundtrack to , in front of a live screening of the film, as Aled narrates.
When? Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 December, times vary
Where? Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh
How much? Tickets vary by venue
17-23 December: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Spirit of Christmas
Classic FM’s Orchestra in North West England, the and two massed choirs come together for a whirlwind of festive music, featuring RLPO’s Artist in Residence trumpeter Pacho Flores, and presented by .
When? Saturday 17 to Friday 23 December, 7:30pm
Where? Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
How much? Tickets from £24
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Petrenko, perform at Classic FM Live in 2014. Picture: Alamy 23-24 December: RSNO present Gaspard’s Christmas
The RSNO bring Gaspard the friendly fox to life in a special Christmas concert narrated by Classic FM presenter , with live illustrations by James Mayhew. Jonathan Dove’s music will fill the concert hall, as well as time-tested festive favourites including When Santa Got Stuck up the Chimney.
When? Friday 23 & Saturday 24 December, times vary
Where? Usher Hall, Edinburgh (Friday) & Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Saturday)
How much? Tickets vary by venue
