Whilst for many, Christmas is a time of year for music from the likes of Wham!, Paul McCartney and Cliff Richard, there are others who find that there is no better way to experience the time of year than by listening to some classical music. On that front, there is perhaps no better setting for such a concert than Guildford Cathedral, which is decorated perfectly to reflect the occasion.
The Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight concert is, as the name suggests, performed by candlelight, adding even more atmosphere and Christmassiness to the evening.
What It’s All About
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is perhaps the best known example of a piece of work that looks to capture the ebbs and flows of a year on planet Earth. Each of the seasons is captured perfectly by the Italian violinist and composer’s concerti for four violins. This, though, isn’t just a direct replication of the work that Antonio Vivaldi wrote between 1718 and 1723. Instead, it is an interpretation of his work, meaning that it is performed in a way that you’ve never heard it before. Listening to it on a winter’s night as the evenings draw in and the temperature drops is perfect.
The warm glow of the candlelight that surrounds the performers makes it even more special, as you hear Vivaldi’s famous work brought to life. It is all performed by the Piccadilly Sinfonietta, with the leading violinist Elizaveta Saul at the helm. This promises to be an evening of festive charm and elegance, which was once described by Classic FM as being ‘stunning’. Not only that, but the musical celebration is the ideal way to capture the spirit of the season on the countdown to Christmas. Perhaps more importantly, there is more on offer than just the work of Vivaldi.
The programme gets underway with the much-loved Emperor Piano Concerto, which was written by Beethoven. There will then be an interval, after which comes the Four Seasons of Vivaldi. The evening is brought to a close thanks to a traditional festive medley, ensuring that the audience will disappear off into the night full of the joys of the Christmas period. The Beethoven piece will be performed by the renowned concert pianist, Warren Mailley-Smith. The ensemble performs more than 200 times a year, so what they produce is top-notch.
When & Where
There are some strange people who like to get all Christmassy as soon as Bonfire Night is out of the way, if not even earlier. For most sensible people, though, there is a strict rule in place that says Christmas shouldn’t even be acknowledged until the first of December. If that’s the group that you’re in then you’ll be relieved to hear that the concert isn’t on until the third of December. It is due to start at 7.30pm, coming to a close at 9.30pm, meaning that it is a nice two-hour show that will send you off feeling ready for the mayhem that is likely to come along in the weeks that follow.
In terms of the setting, it is hosted by Guildford Cathedral, which means that the setting couldn’t really be any more perfect. The cathedral is a wonderful place to spend time irrespective of your religious beliefs and regardless of what is taking place there, thanks to the excellent accessibility and the overall nature of the venue. When you’ve got something as special as the Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight to enjoy, though, things go up a notch. This is sure to be a heartwarming occasion from CityMusic Promotions Ltd.