A Christmas Celebration at Southwell Minster

Southwell Music Festival’s annual A Christmas Celebration concert, held in the atmospheric nave of Southwell Minster, is a meeting of seasonal words and music.

Taking place on Wednesday 18 December at 7.30pm, this year’s programme shines a spotlight on carols, old and new, featuring works from Cornelius, Warlock, Howells, and Frances-Hoad. It promises to be a special evening of music and poetry reflecting on themes of hope and peace. Full programme details are shared below.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Clive Mantle has had to step down as narrator at this year’s concert. However, we are pleased to announce that actor Richard Goulding will be taking on the role. Richard’s on-stage credits include work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Almeida and the National Theatre. His recent television and film credits include The Crown (Netflix), A Very British Scandal (BBC) and Wicked Little Letters.

A Christmas Celebration is directed by Festival Artistic Director Marcus Farnsworth and features the Southwell Festival Voices.

You can buy your tickets online, or call our Box Office on 01636 330014.

Programme: A Christmas Celebration

Please note that the below programme may be subject to change.

I wonder as I wander – Trad. arr. Benjamin Britten
Song of the Nuns of Chester – Anonymous – 14th/15th Century
In Winter’s House – Joanna Marsh
Me thinks I see an Heavenly Host – William Billings
The First Mercy – Peter Warlock
Bethlehem Down – Peter Warlock
A Spotless Rose – Herbert Howells
The Lamb – John Tavener
Bogoróditse Dyévo – Cheryl Frances-Hoad
A New Year Carol – Benjamin Britten
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day – John Gardner
Die Könige – Peter Cornelius
Schlafendes Jesuskind – Hugo Wolf
Peace on Earth – Errollyn Wallen
White Christmas – Irving Berlin / arr. Jim Clements
The Carol Singers – Sterndale-Bennet
The Twelve Days of Christmas – Trad. arr. John Rutter

Poetry and readings to include:

BC-AD: U.A.Fanthorpe
Prayer: Carol Ann Duffy
Minstrel’s Song: Ted Hughes
The Oxen: Thomas Hardy
A Cradle Song: William Blake
The Tyger: William Blake
The Oxen: Thomas Hardy
Ring out, wild bells: Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Meeting Place: Christopher Pilling
Bethlehem: Wendy Cope
The Carolers: Ed Skoog