Sir Tony has a cunning plan to raise funds for cancer and dementia research

Blackadder actor teams up with composer Professor Paul Mealor for University of Aberdeen Christmas event

Actor and presenter Sir Tony Robinson has joined forces with renowned composer Professor Paul Mealor to create a Christmas concert that will raise funds for cancer and dementia research at the University of Aberdeen.

The fourth annual Celebration of Carols – hosted by the university’s alumni relations team – will take place at St Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen on 12 December and at St Marylebone Parish Church in London on 21 December.

As the university’s flagship alumni engagement event, the annual fundraiser will bring together alumni and friends of the university to help fund research at the new NHS ANCHOR (Aberdeen and North Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiotherapy), which will be a centre of excellence for treating people with cancer and blood disorders.

Sir Tony and Professor Mealor have written The Three Ships – a Christmas story which offers a unique interpretation of the traditional nativity, which is narrated by special guests. The collaboration follows Sir Tony’s involvement in last year’s concert in London, where Professor Mealor, who is Chair in Composition at the university, performed with the University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir.

“It all came out of just one conversation,” Sir Tony said. “I was blown away by Paul’s interpretation of In the Bleak Midwinter at last year’s concert, and afterwards we were chatting about how there are few pieces that challenge us to engage in the drama of the nativity.

“I thought if we could create something that fills that gap – that addresses modern day issues but gives us the opportunity to sing the carols we all love, and be dazzled by the performance of great musicians – then that would be something really special.”

As well as raising funds for dementia and cancer research, they hope the concert will be performed by other groups in years to come. In the meantime they are looking forward to the debut performance at St Machar’s Cathedral.

Professor Mealor said: “I am confident that we’ve got this right and I think people are going to go away feeling good about it. There’s some new music in there, but a lot of old favourites.”

0 Sir Tony Robinson and Paul Mealor