I had a wonderful time conducting the BBC Singers in A Christmas Odyssey at Milton Court Concert Hall, joined by the brilliant Adrian Scarborough as narrator. It was a joyous, generous evening that moved effortlessly between laughter and reflection.
The programme explored the many colours of Christmas, from traditional carols to festive favourites including a Muppet Christmas Carol medley, alongside music by Elizabeth Poston, Bob Chilcott, Adrian Peacock, and seasonal songs by Richard Rodgers. I was delighted to be joined by brass and percussion from the Aurora Orchestra, with Iain Farrington at the piano, adding colour and sparkle throughout.
Adrian’s readings from Hans Christian Andersen, P. G. Wodehouse, and Charles Dickens wove the evening together beautifully, creating a warm narrative thread across the music.
If you missed the concert, it will be broadcast on Wednesday 24 December at 7.30pm on BBC Radio 3, presented by Ian Skelly, and available on BBC Sounds.
Programme
Paul Williams arr. Ryan O’Connell A Muppet Christmas Carol Medley
Trad. arr. Stuart Nicholson, arr. for brass Jonathan Wikeley Ding dong! Merrily on high
Iain Farrington Nova, nova
Trad. arr. John Rutter The Holly and the Ivy
Adrian Peacock arr. Owain Park Venite, Gaudete!
Mykola Leontovych arr. Peter J. Wilhousky Carol of the bells
Iain Farrington A Carvery of Carols
Bob Chilcott Somehow not only for Christmas
Trad. arr. Geoffrey Keating The Twelve Days of Christmas
Interval
Thomas Hewitt Jones Destination Christmas
Nina Simone / Sarah Latto Little Girl Blue / O Come Emmanuel
Trad. arr. Jonathan Miller God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Iain Farrington We wish you a merry Christmas
Elizabeth Poston arr. Jonathan Wikeley Balulalowarr
Johnny Marks arr. Bob Chilcott Rudolf the Red-Nose Reindeer
Trad. / Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane (arr. Bob Chilcott) Deck the Halls / Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas