A Festive Celebration at Bath Abbey
Bath-based Lucis Choir is set to conclude its 10th anniversary season with a grand Christmas Gala Concert at Bath Abbey on Tuesday, 17th December. This festive event is presented in partnership with the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI), which is also celebrating a major milestone: its bicentenary.
A Night of Musical Highlights
The concert will feature a carefully curated selection of Christmas music performed by some of Bath’s most talented musicians. A special highlight of the evening is the world premiere of Lux Aeterna, composed by Lucis Choir’s patron, Will Todd, to commemorate the choir’s 10th anniversary. Alongside Lucis Choir, audiences will enjoy performances by Noctis Chamber Choir, Bath Celebration Choir, The Alley Barbers, Cavacante, and the Bristol Ensemble, offering a rich blend of musical talent and styles.
Commemorating BRLSI’s Bicentenary with Music and History
The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution has marked its 200th anniversary this year with a diverse range of events, including festivals, talks, and exhibitions, all aimed at fostering Bath’s cultural and intellectual legacy. To honour BRLSI’s founding year, 1824, Lucis’ musical director, Francis Faux, has arranged a special rendition of O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree), a carol from the same era, adding a historic touch to this festive evening.
Lucis Choir: A Decade of Unique Choral Experiences
Reflecting on Lucis Choir’s journey, Founder and Musical Director Francis Faux shared, “This programme represents the essence of what Lucis has stood for over the past decade—a choir that offers its audiences something unique.” Over the years, Lucis has collaborated with esteemed composers, soloists, and ensembles, including Will Todd, Christopher Tin, Matthew Coleridge, and Sir Karl Jenkins, while also fostering emerging talent from the Bath community.
A Word from BRLSI’s Leadership
Professor Ian Gadd, Chair of BRLSI, expressed his excitement for the collaboration: “We’re thrilled to share this anniversary celebration with Lucis Choir and to end our bicentenary year with such a meaningful event.” BRLSI has been a central figure in Bath’s intellectual and cultural life since its inception, and this gala concert marks a fitting close to its anniversary year.
Additional Highlights of the Gala Concert
Tim Snowden, BRLSI Music Convenor and joint Musical Director for the concert, highlighted the concert’s diverse programme: “This collaboration brings together an incredible range of music. Bath Celebration Choir, celebrating its fifth anniversary, will perform, as well as The Alley Barbers, the University of Bath’s student barbershop ensemble.” The evening will also include Tim Snowden’s own arrangement of In the Bleak Mid-Winter and traditional Brazilian Choro music by Cavacante, adding even more variety to this festive night.
A Spectacular Evening Awaits
With this unique combination of choirs, compositions, and historic arrangements, the Lucis Choir and BRLSI’s Christmas Gala Concert promises to be an unforgettable evening that honours Bath’s artistic, musical, and cultural heritage. This event offers audiences the chance to experience a remarkable celebration of music and community in the heart of Bath’s historic Abbey.
The full programme details and tickets available at the Bath Box Office
https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on/anniversary-gala-concert-for-christmas