FREE Festive Organ Recital and ‘Candlelit Carols’ Launch Christmas Week at Newcastle Cathedral
This Monday, 22 December, Newcastle’s Church of England cathedral continues its countdown to the joy of Christmas with a free afternoon organ recital and, at 7:30pm, the Choir’s second evening of ‘Candlelit Carols’.
As the UK's only cathedral dedicated to St Nicholas, the patron saint of children, Newcastle Cathedral offers a unique and magical setting for all ages through its Christmas music. On Monday evening at 7:30pm, the Cathedral Choir will present their second night of ‘Candlelit Carols’, following last Wednesday’s concert.
The Choir features children, young people and professional singers from a wide variety of backgrounds. The programme includes enchanting music from their new album, ‘O Nata Lux’, which celebrates Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.
Audiences can enjoy beloved favourites such as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, alongside exquisite lesser-known choral works and Balulalow, an original composition by the Cathedral’s Assistant Director of Music, Kris Thomsett, meaning "lullaby" in Scots.
Ian Roberts, Director of Music at Newcastle Cathedral, says: "Choral music lies at the heart of the Cathedral’s daily life. On most days, our walls are filled with music sung by the Cathedral Choir, with independent lines of boy and girl choristers supported by Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars.
“The Cathedral is committed to making musical education accessible to children from all backgrounds across the city and region, offering programmes that nurture both young beginners and experienced musicians.”
Earlier in the day, visitors can enjoy a FREE festive organ recital with the Cathedral’s Organ Scholar, James Watson, at 1:05pm. Held every Monday throughout the year, these recitals provide a chance to hear exceptional music in an inspiring setting. This special pre-Christmas programme includes O Holy Night, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, and Walking in the Air from ‘The Snowman’.
The recital is free to attend, with no booking required, although donations are welcome. Guests can also enjoy festive treats before or after the performance at Café 16 in the Cathedral Refectory.
In addition to ‘Candlelit Carols’ and the organ recital, the Cathedral Choir will provide music for a programme of free traditional services next week, including:
- Family-Friendly Crib Service – 11am, Wednesday 24 December
- Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols – 6pm, Wednesday 24 December
- Candlelit Midnight Mass – 11:30pm, Wednesday 24 December
- Festal Eucharist – 10am, Christmas Day
All services feature the beautiful music of the Cathedral Choir, before they take a well-earned Christmas break, returning for the Cathedral’s Choral Eucharist on the Feast of the Epiphany, Tuesday 6 January at 6pm.
The Choir’s album, ‘O Nata Lux: Music for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany’, is available for £12.99 from the Cathedral retail space or as a digital download via newcastlecathedral.org.uk/o-nata-lux.
Tickets for ‘Candlelit Carols’ are £21.50 (including booking fee) and can be purchased online at newcastlecathedral.org.uk/whats-on or by calling TicketSource on 03336 663 366.
Image: A Choir Rehearsal for the Advent Procession earlier in December / Photo by Tim Watkinson
