Ex Cathedra returns to venues across the Midlands this December for one of the traditional highlights of the festive season, the Christmas Music by Candlelight concert.

The concert is a moment of quiet magic amidst the busy lead up to Christmas. As the midwinter night falls, expectant audiences fill their seats. Once everyone is settled, the lights go out and there is a moment of silent anticipation. Then, upon the darkness comes the luminous sound of the Ex Cathedra world-class choir, lit only by the candles in the singers’ hands.

Ex Cathedra will take their Christmas Music By Candlelight performances to St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury; Hereford Cathedral; Kidderminster Town Hall; St Peter’s Church, Wolverhampton; Coventry Cathedral and St Paul’s Church in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, between Friday 2 and Friday 23 December 2022.  

Over the course of an atmospheric evening, artistic director Jeffrey Skidmore’s superlative programme of music and readings explores the wonder - and humour - of the season. Audiences can expect music from across the ages, including seasonal favourites such as Away in a Manger. One of the pieces new this year is Christopher Churcher’s carol Before the Ice in the Pools, winner of the Sir David Willcocks’ Carol Competition 2021. Christopher - who is aged only 18 - is a former member of Ex Cathedra’s Academy of Choral Music youth choir, so there is particular joy for the company to perform his award-winning composition.

Talking about Ex Cathedra's upcoming concerts, Artistic Director Jeffrey Skidmore, said:  “It is a joy to return our traditional Christmas Music by Candlelight concerts to audiences this December. There is nothing quite like the impact of being immersed in choral music at this time of year, with singers surrounding the audience. We are particularly excited at the opportunity to use our performance spaces again in creative ways, something that has been so difficult over the last two years due to the disruptions of Covid. We cannot wait to share a selection of wonderful music this festive season.”

In addition to the Christmas Music by Candlelight concerts, younger audiences will enjoy the Angels, Stars & Kings Family Christmas Concert at St Paul’s Church in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter on 21 December, and are invited to attend dressed as an angel, star or king!

For those wanting a full Christmas experience, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio tells the Christmas story with music of great joy and beauty. Ex Cathedra is joined by its Baroque Orchestra, complete with trumpets and drums, to perform the full-length version at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Sunday 4 December.

For further information on all upcoming Ex Cathedra concerts, visit: excathedra.co.uk