Enjoy the spirit of Xmas with two free appearances from the acclaimed choir
A firm fixture on the city’s festive calendar, Birmingham Bach Choir present their hugely popular Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday 17 December 2017.
Taking place at St Alban’s Church, Birmingham, at 3.30pm, Nine Lessons and Carols features a series of Bible readings telling the Christmas story, interspersed with seasonal music for the choir and congregation.
Led by conductor Paul Spicer and accompanied by organist Paul Carr, those attending are invited to join in singing such familiar carols as O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Hark The Herald Angels, as well as listening to the choir perform John Rutter’s Dormi Jesu, R Rodney Bennett’s Lullaby Baby, and Tomas Luis de Victoria’s beautiful 16th century motet, O Magnum Mysterium.
Though a long-held annual tradition, this year marks Birmingham Bach Choir’s second visit to St Alban the Martyr, in Highgate, Birmingham. A hidden 19th century Grade II* listed Gothic Revival gem, it’s renowned for its magnificent ornamental panels, painted by Birmingham-born artist Kate Bunce. With a hand-beaten copper frame by sister Myra, the panels demonstrate a strong Pre-Raphaelite influence.
Birmingham Bach Choir Chair Sarah Platt, said: “Just a few minutes away from the bustle of the city centre, the magnificent St Alban’s is a lovely venue for our traditional afternoon Nine Lessons and Carols service, which touches on the true spirit of Christmas. We welcome all to come and join us in reflection and song.”
Nine Lessons and Carols takes place on 17 December 2017, the last Sunday before Christmas, at 3.30pm. Admission is free, with an optional collection for church funds. No booking required. St Alban the Martyr Church, Conybere St, Highgate, Birmingham B12 0YH.
In addition to the traditional service, members of the Birmingham Bach Choir together with the Midlands Military and Community Choir will be filling the atrium of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, with the sound of Christmas carols on Wednesday 20 December 2017 from 6.30pm-7.45pm. This fundraising appearance will help to provide Christmas trees for the wards, treats for staff and patients, and free parking and television for patients and their visitors on Christmas Day. Passers-by are welcome to join in the singing (and usually do!).
For more information on the choir’s Christmas activities, see: www.birmingham.bachchoir.com
LISTINGS:
Sunday 17 December 2017
Nine Lessons and Carols
Join Birmingham Bach Choir, Paul Spicer (conductor) and Paul Carr (organist) for a traditional Christmas service in one of the city’s finest Victorian Gothic buildings.
St Alban the Martyr Church, Conybere St, Highgate, Birmingham B12 0YH
3.30pm
Free/ donations
www.birmingham.bachchoir.com
Wednesday 20 December 2017
Christmas Carols at QEHB
Carols and festive favourites with members of Birmingham Bach Choir and the Midlands Military and Community Choir. All monies raised to be donated to QEHB.
The Atrium, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2WB
6.30pm-7.45pm
Free/ donations
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
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 over 500 years including 20th and 21st century works.
“A huge degree of dynamic subtlety… exhilarating… a wonderful evening.” 5-stars – Birmingham Post (reviewing Magnificat at Birmingham Cathedral, March 2015).
“The real deal…” 4-stars – Birmingham Post (reviewing A Shakespearean Concert, June 2016)
“Sounding awesomely impressive.” 4-stars – Birmingham Post (reviewing Great Russian Sacred Music, November 2016)
“Singing of passion, grace…” 4-stars – Birmingham Post (reviewing St Mark Passion, March 2017)
For more information see: www.birmingham.bachchoir.com
ABOUT ST ALBAN’S
For more information about St Alban the Martyr Church, see: www.saintalban.co.uk
MEDIA ASSETS / CONTACTS:
For all media/ press enquiries, including images, please contact us:
Four Four Eight 