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Christmas Tales

BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus

,Barbican Hall
BBC Symphony Chorus on the Barbican stage, with BBC SO branding around the edges

Celebration and contemplation as the BBC Symphony Chorus performs music inspired by frozen landscapes and Christmas heroes.

Before the red-cloaked, bushy-bearded St Nicholas squeezes himself down your chimney, discover the legends behind the 3rd-century bishop who would go on to inspire the Santa Claus myth. The BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus reunite for Benjamin Britten’s captivating cantata, recounting Nicholas’s life from birth to death.

As a child one Christmas Eve, Gerald Finzi climbed a local hill and heard the church bells ring out over his beloved Gloucestershire. This inspired his Christmas Scene, imagining Christ’s nativity in an idyllically frozen, picture-postcard English countryside setting. It is performed here in its 1956 chamber orchestra arrangement. From frozen Finland, Jean Sibelius’s Rakastava (The Lover) opens this wintry concert, based on folk stories from Karelia – borderlands between modern Russia and Finland.

Tagged with: Classical music BBC Symphony Orchestra Multibuy - Sep–Dec 2021 BBC Symphony Orchestra

This performance will end at approximately 9.30pm, including a 20 minute interval.

Produced by the BBC Symphony Orchestra

Programme*

  • Jean Sibelius   Rakastava
  • Gerald Finzi   In Terra Pax (1956 chamber orchestra version)
  • Benjamin Britten   Saint Nicolas

* Please note this programme has changed from as originally advertised, to allow more space between musicians and ensure everyone can perform safely and comfortably. All bookers have been contacted. (Mon 1 Nov 2021)

Performers

  • BBC Symphony Orchestra  
  • Sakari Oramo   conductor
  • Ailish Tynan   soprano
  • Robin Tritschler   tenor
  • Benson Wilson   bass-baritone
  • BBC Symphony Chorus  
  • Neil Ferris   assistant conductor
  • Finchley Children's Music Group   trebles

Digital Programme

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Barbican Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.