Putting the merry into Christmas

It was well into November before I heard my first piece of Christmas music this year, and now with the big day fast approaching, Christmas music is everywhere and it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

Christmas music is timeless too, with lots of our favourite seasonal tunes having been enjoyed for generations. Indeed, some of our own “more recent” festive standards are fast approaching “middle age” - and still going strong. Who won’t be enjoying a bit of Wizzard or Slade this month at some point?

As usual local audiences can enjoy some excellent festive music for yuletide merry-making and this weekend - 8 December at 7.30pm, at All Saints Church in Stamford - Soprano Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues is joined by pianist Kate Wishart for “Christmas Treasures”, including a mix of popular and classical favourites.

Children from the All Saints’ Church choir will also perform together with the young violinist Annike van Tonder, and pianist Rhea Sehgal.

All Saints then plays host to organist Fergus Black on Sunday, December 9, at 3pm performing pieces based on well-known carols. Fergus will be joined by cellist Cleo Wood. Tickets for both events can be booked from Stamford Arts Centre, on 01780 763203 or on the door. Accompanied children free (no ticket needed).

Christmas music at Peterborough Cathedral will once again provide a highlight throughout the festive season, with concerts and services throughout December, including Christmas Magic 2018, featuring Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir and Peterborough Festival Brass. Performances are at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, December 15. Tickets from £18 available through the Visitor Information Centre on Bridge Street.

Hopefully all this wonderful music will inspire you to make a New Year’s resolution - to take up learning an instrument, or maybe buy someone you love an instrument for Christmas? Or some lessons perhaps? And for those of you looking to donate money to good causes this year, then lots of local music groups would benefit from your patronage. Peterborough Music Hub will be delighted to provide further details of suitable local groups - email us at musichub@peterborough.gov.uk

Finally this month, there’s still time to apply for the post of Director of Music at The Priory Church of Deeping St James.

They’re looking for an organist and choir trainer to work in this wonderful church. They have a fine, well-maintained three manual pipe organ and the regular robed choir is affiliated to the RSCM. Pay is commensurate with experience, plus fees. The closing date for applications is Friday, December 14 - to commence January 2019, or as soon as possible in the New Year.

For further details, or to apply, please email nicolete. fisher@btinternet.com

In the meantime, enjoy some live music this Christmas, sing along - play along if you can - and in the words of that old Christmas favourite “may your days be merry and bright”. Have a good one,_ and here’s to some great music to come in 2019.