A Festival of Carols by Candlelight

We are invited to experience a programme built around the familiar sounds of the winter season, blending communal singing with choral settings. You will hear popular arrangements of traditional carols, including the delicate melodic lines of In the Bleak Mid-Winter and the expansive, rising phrases of O Holy Night. The evening is shaped to highlight the contrast between intimate moments and the fuller textures of the choir and ensemble together. One particular element to listen for is the transition from the choir’s focused storytelling in the narrative carols to the richer, resonant sound of the instruments in Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. The inclusion of candlelight within the church setting is intended to complement the atmospheric nature of these specific musical works, allowing for a reflective experience where the clarity of the voices remains the central focus throughout the two-hour duration.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields performs here under the direction of Andrew Earis. The ensemble is widely recognised for its precision and extensive recording history, maintaining a long-standing relationship with this specific London church. They are joined by the singers of St Martin’s Voices, a professional vocal group known for their expertise in the English choral tradition. Together, these performers frequently explore a repertoire that spans from the Baroque era to contemporary commissions, often focusing on works that suit the acoustic properties of their home ground in Trafalgar Square.

This performance takes place at the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. The evening is scheduled to last approximately 120 minutes, including an interval. Because the programme features well-known traditional carols, it is a suitable choice for those attending a choral concert for the first time or for those who prefer familiar melodies. The venue does not specify a dress code, though many visitors choose smart-casual attire for evening events. As this is a choral concert rather than a staged opera, there are no surtitles or foreign language translations provided.