Experience the magic of Christmas as two Northeast choirs join forces for an unforgettable evening of music. We will sing beloved favourites that warm the heart as well as hidden gems waiting to be discovered in a programme that offers comfort, reflection and surprise.
Each choir will shine in their own spotlight, whilst uniting to perform Vaughan Williams’ much loved Fantasia on Christmas Carols and A Winter’s Night, a sparkling Christmas cantata by Cecilia McDowall that reimagines five traditional carols with fresh harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and a jubilant finale. The evening also features the premiere of a new arrangement by Tom Edney of Avril Coleridge-Taylor’s Christmas Carol, adding a touch of history-in-the-making to this year’s celebration. There are also two well-known favourites for audience participation.
Join us for an evening of soaring voices, timeless melodies, and the joy of discovering something new alongside the familiar glow of Christmas tradition.

Programme: 
Ralph Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on Christmas Carols
Cecilia McDowall – A Winter's Night
Hans Leo Hassler – In dulci jubilo
David Willcocks – O come, O come Emmanuel
Avril Coleridge-Taylor – The Shepherd
Avril Coleridge-Taylor – Christmas Carol (arranged by Tom Edney)
David Harris – Love came down at Christmas
Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel – Gebet in der Christnacht
Elizabeth Poston – December Lulling
William Walton – What Cheer
Francis Poulenc – O magnum mysterium

Northern Spirit Singers was originally formed in 2000 with a core membership of former National Youth Choir singers. In the last decade, the choir has focused their activities more in the North East of England. Based in Durham, they have been the choir of choice for visiting artists including Russell Watson, or for BBC events at the Glasshouse, Gateshead. As well as their own musical projects, such as last year’s Brahms Requiem, they support regional music projects with local schools and institutions (like Beamish Open Air Museum), perform works of local composers (like Will Todd and Lucy Walker), and fundraise for the Durham Music Trust.