Traditional Christmas service.
Sunday 17 December 2023, St Paul’s Church, Birmingham.
Admission FREE.
Birmingham Bach Choir return to St Paul’s Church, in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, on Sunday 17 December 2023, for their annual festive appearance.
Nine Lessons And Carol Service sees the esteemed choir sing a selection of both traditional and newer Christmas carols, interspersed with nine readings telling the Christmas story.
Among the musical selection are such firm favourites as Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Once In Royal David’s City, and O Come All Ye Faithful.
They are joined by such lesser known, but equally enjoyable, fare as Iain Farrington’s jazz influenced contemporary carol, Nova; Magnificat Collegium Regale by choir conductor Paul Spicer’s mentor, composer Herbert Howells; and Sir Christemas, runner-up in the Radio 3 Breakfast Carol Competition 2017, and written by one of Birmingham Bach Choir’s baritones, David Hughes.
With everyone encouraged to raise the roof on a number of well-known carols, it’s an afternoon event that evokes the true spirit of Christmas, as well as offering attendees a chance to hear beautiful music sung by one of the region’s most lauded choirs.
There is no charge for entry (although a collection box will be available for donations).
Philip Bellshaw, Chair of Birmingham Bach Choir, said: “Our annual Christmas service is always one of the highlights of the year for us. The programme is a delight, mixing familiar festive favourites with some lesser known pieces, all of which wonderfully evoke that very special Christmas spirit.
“The historic St Paul’s church is also a lovely setting too. A tranquil oasis on the fringes of the Jewellery Quarter, it’s just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre making the afternoon a real opportunity to enjoy a moment of calm and joy, away from the noise.”
● Birmingham Bach Choir: Nine Lessons And Carol Service is at St Paul’s Church, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham on Sunday 17 December 2023 at 3.30pm. Admission free (but donations to the church are encouraged). No prior booking required. For more information, see: birmingham.bachchoir.com
LISTINGS
Sunday 17 December 2023
Birmingham Bach Choir: Nine Lessons And Carol Service
St. Paul’s Church, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B3 1QZ
3.30pm
Admission FREE, no booking required. Donations encouraged.
birmingham.bachchoir.com
Birmingham Bach Choir
Paul Spicer: conductor
Paul Carr: organist
Programme
O come all ye faithful (arr. Spicer) – congregation & choir
Gabriel’s message (arr. Willcocks) – choir
Surge illuminare (Palestrina) – choir
Come thou redeemer (arr. Spicer) – congregation & choir
Blessed be that maid Marie (Garth Treseder) – choir
Quelle est cette odeur? (arr. Willcocks) -choir
Sir Christemas (David Hughes) – choir
Lo he comes (arr. Spicer)- congregation & choir
Nativity Carol (Rutter) – choir
A maiden most gentle (arr. Carter) – choir
It came upon the midnight clear (arr. Willcocks) -congregation & choir
Nova (Iain Farrington) -choir
Once in royal David’s city (arr. Spicer) – congregation & choir
Magnificat Collegium Regale (Howells) – choir
Mater salutaris (Martin Dalby) – choir
Of the Father’s heart begotten (arr. Willcocks) – congregation & choir
Hark the herald angels sing (arr. Spicer) – congregation & choir
Enquiries: tickets@birmingham.bachchoir.com
Website: birmingham.bachchoir.com
FORTHCOMING CONCERTS
Saturday 9 March 2024
St Matthew Passion
Lichfield Cathedral, Lichfield
ABOUT BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR
As one of the UK’s leading large chamber choirs, Birmingham Bach Choir has been contributing to the musical life of the West Midlands since 1919, making it one of the longest established musical groups in the area. Although the main focus is the Baroque period (especially JS Bach), the choir performs music spanning 600 years, including 20th and 21st century works, and has premiered many new choral works.
2019 was the choir’s centenary, a year which saw them make a series of special appearances, including a Gala Concert at Lichfield Cathedral and a performance for Royalty.
The 2022-2023 Season marked Conductor Paul Spicer’s 30th anniversary with the choir and included the first West Midlands performance of Rachmaninoff’s Liturgy of St John Chrysostom in Liturgical Slavonic in living memory.