Lucis Choir, based in Bath, will round off its 10th anniversary season with a celebratory Gala Concert at Bath Abbey on Tuesday, 17th December. This festive concert is held in partnership with the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI), aligning with the Institution’s bicentenary celebrations.
The evening’s programme will showcase a distinctive mix of Christmas music performed by some of Bath’s most talented musicians, including a world premiere of Lux Aeterna, a piece specially composed for Lucis by their patron, Will Todd, in honour of the choir’s 10th anniversary. Additional performances will come from Noctis Chamber Choir, Bath Celebration Choir, The Alley Barbers, Cavacante and the Bristol Ensemble.
Marking its 200th year, the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution has hosted a year-long series of festivals, talks, and events to celebrate its pivotal role in Bath’s cultural and intellectual life. In honour of this anniversary, Lucis’ musical director, Francis Faux, has created a new arrangement of O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree), a piece originally composed in 1824, the same year BRLSI was founded.
“This programme has been curated to represent the very essence of what Lucis set out to be almost a decade ago, namely a choir that offers its concertgoers something a bit different from the norm,” said Lucis Founder and Musical Director Francis Faux. “Over the years, we have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the world’s leading choral composers, soloists, and ensembles, including patron Will Todd, Christopher Tin, Matthew Coleridge, Bernard Hughes, Sir Karl Jenkins, Dame Emma Kirkby, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Southern Sinfonia, Lochrian Ensemble, Maxim Calver, Ola Gjeilo, Bob Chilcott, Ēriks Ešenvalds and Eric Whitacre, as well as championing young talent closer to home.”
“The Institution came into being in early 1824 and held its inaugural lecture in January 1825,” stated Professor Ian Gadd, Chair of the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution. “We’re both delighted to share anniversary celebrations with Lucis and delighted to see out 2024 with such a special event.”
“This collaboration is truly exciting, featuring such a broad spectrum of music,” said BRLSI Music Convenor and co-Musical Director of the concert, Tim Snowden. “The Bath Celebration Choir is thrilled to be part of this event, as it marks its own 5th anniversary this year. I’m especially pleased that the combined choirs will perform my arrangement of In the Bleak Mid-Winter, created for last year’s Carols by Candlelight at BRLSI. Audiences are also in for a treat with a performance from the University of Bath’s student barbershop group, ‘The Alley Barbers,’ along with traditional Brazilian Choro music by local instrumental group ‘Cavacante.’ It promises to be a remarkable evening.”
For programme details and tickets, visit Bath Box Office: https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on/anniversary-gala-concert-for-christmas
Lucischoir.com
About Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI)
