Lucis Choir & BRLSI Host Christmas Gala at Bath Abbey

To conclude their 10th anniversary season, Bath’s Lucis Choir will host a special Gala Concert at Bath Abbey on Tuesday, 17th December. This festive event, presented in partnership with the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI), is part of BRLSI’s bicentenary celebrations.

The concert will feature an array of festive music by some of Bath’s top musicians, including the world premiere of Lux Aeterna, a piece composed by Lucis’ patron, Will Todd, to mark the choir’s 10th anniversary. The evening will also include performances from Noctis Chamber Choir, Bath Celebration Choir, The Alley Barbers, Cavacante and the Bristol Ensemble.

Throughout 2024, the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution has commemorated its 200-year legacy with a calendar filled with festivals, lectures, and events celebrating its place in Bath’s cultural and intellectual scene. As a tribute to this landmark, Lucis’ musical director, Francis Faux, has arranged a special version of O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree), a song composed in 1824, the year BRLSI was established.

“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,” commented 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,” shared 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 thrilling, with such a rich variety of music,” remarked BRLSI Music Convenor and co-Musical Director, Tim Snowden. “Bath Celebration Choir is excited to join, celebrating its 5th anniversary this year. I am particularly looking forward to the combined choirs performing my setting of In the Bleak Mid-Winter, arranged for last year’s Carols by Candlelight at BRLSI. Audiences can also look forward to a performance from the University of Bath’s student barbershop ensemble, ‘The Alley Barbers,’ and some traditional Brazilian Choro music from local group ‘Cavacante.’ It promises to be a truly spectacular evening.”

Further programme details and tickets are available at Bath Box Office: https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on/anniversary-gala-concert-for-christmas