As well as the Vivaldi Gloria, there’s going to a be lovely mix of seasonal stuff at our Christmas concert. Although there’ll be several unaccompanied numbers such as John Tavener’s The Lamb and Victoria O Magnum Mysterium, some plainchant and possibly even some 20th century schmaltz (!) we’re taking advantage of having Nick’s chamber organ and a string quartet. They’ll be playing with us in numbers like Gardiner’s Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day and John Rutter’s Nativity Carol.

For some pieces, Nick has to write parts for each instrument  – somehow how he’s going to find time for this around his ‘day job’ which is full-on this time of year, plus playing for (or conducting) concerts every weekend.

The string quartet are also going to play Pachelbel’s Canon and a movement from Corelli’s Christmas Concerto. We’re very excited to have the magnificent Julia Bishop on violin – taking time out from her busy international touring schedule with Red Priest. The whole concert should be a wonderful feast of music.