City of Leicester Singers

Saturday 14th November, 2026, 7.30pm

Flyer

BRAHMS

A GERMAN REQUIEM

For their Autumn 2026 concert, the City of Leicester Singers have chosen a work by a great composer of the 19th century Romantic period.

Brahms wrote his German Requiem between 1865 and 1868, possibly inspired by the death of his mother. His longest composition, the Requiem is sacred rather than liturgical, the German text being based on the Lutheran Bible.

Caroline Essex soprano

Andrew Ashwin baritone

Richard Archer conductor

John Pye organist

Tickets £12, under 16s free, are available:
From choir members, www.cityofleicestersingers.co.uk or on the door on the day of the concert

Leicester Pro Arte Singers

Saturday 5th December, 2026, 7.30pm

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

A festive feast of choral favourites

Experience the magic of a choral Christmas: traditional and modern festive choral works by the light of hundreds of candles.

Programme to include: Es ist ein Ros entsprungen (Vulpius), Angelus ad pastores ait (Praetorius), Angels Carol (Rutter), Alleluia (Reece-Trapp), My Lord has come (Todd), Sing lullaby (Willcocks), I wonder as I wander (Rutti), No small wonder (Edwards), Seek him that maketh the seven stars (Dove) O magnum mysterium (Lauridsen) plus many more, and a chance to sing along with some traditional favourites!

John Gull conductor

Nicholas Friedersdorff organ

All proceeds to MusicFest's Instrument Rehoming Scheme

Tickets include interval mulled wine & mince pies

Ex Cathedra

Monday 7th December, 2026, 7.00pm

CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT

Ex Cathedra Consort conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore

Step out of the winter rush and into the still, warm glow of candlelight. In Jeffrey Skidmore's final season, our much-loved concerts offer beautiful seasonal music, a sprinkling of favourite carols, and readings to make you smile and reflect, all revealing the quiet magic of Christmas. Encounter the mystery as well as the merriment. Once experienced, they're never forgotten.

"a multi-sensory, immersive experience ... choral perfection" (My Shrewsbury)

Running time approx. 2 hours 10 minutes, including interval.

Tickets:
£39 | £34 | £28 | £22 (+£2 booking fee)
18-30, not in full-time education: £15 | U18 and students in full-time education: £8

Leicester Bach Choir

Saturday 12th December, 2026, 7.00pm

HANDEL'S MESSIAH

A glorious advent tradition with the Leicester Bach Choir

Join the Leicester Bach Choir for Handel's much-loved Messiah this December, as we celebrate the festive season with one of the most enduring works in the choral repertoire.

Featuring soloists Katie Trethewey, Cathy Bell, Archie Inns and Jon Stainsby, accompanied by the Bach Camerata led by Barbara O'Reilly, and conducted by Richard Laing.

Advance tickets from TryBooking or Choir members. Full Price on the door: card & cash accepted

Tickets:
£23 in advance | £26 on the door
Concessions: Registered disabled, students: £5 | Children: £1 (including soft drink)

A Winter's Tale

Sunday 13th December, 2026, 7.00pm

COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE

For the fifth year running, all are invited to the annual Leicester Community Carol Service in the beautiful, candlelit setting of St James the Greater Church.

This year the theme is A Winter's Tale'. It is a ticketed service - tickets are free to book, and there will be a collection in aid of LOROS - Hospice Care for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, & St James the Greater Church (suggested donation of around £10 per person).

In the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, the Lord Mayor of Leicester, the High Sheriff of Leicestershire & the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council. With bible readings, stories & poems read by local celebrities and public figures.

Join in with your favourite carols led by the Junior, Youth & Senior choirs of St James the Greater, organ & brass band! Listen to wonderful groups and soloists including singers, harp, flute and handbells performing a mix of traditional and popular music.

Followed by festive refreshments and a chance to purchase gifts and decorations from the popular LOROS Christmas stall.

Tickets are free - available from trybooking.com/uk/HBBX

Leicester Philharmonic Choir

Thursday 17th December, 2026, 7.30pm

CAROLS AT ST JAMES

Join the Phil for their annual Christmas celebration at St James the Greater

The concert includes a selection some of the choirs favourite Christmas pieces as well the customary mince pie....

Stephen Bullamore conductor

Rosemary Field piano and organ

Fern Syson Page soloist

The Ratby Co-operative Band

Saturday 19th December, 2026, 7.30pm

The Ratby Co-operative Band

CHRISTMAS BRASS AND VOICES
The Fosse Singers

Featuring some of Leicestershire's finest music ensembles the award winning Ratby Co-operative Championship Brass Band perform alongside county favourites The Fosse Singers to deliver a special evening of music in the glorious setting of St James the Greater in Leicester.

The Gesualdo Six

Monday 21st December, 2026, 7.30pm

VENI EMMANUEL

Directed by Owain Park

In the Renaissance, Advent - the weeks preceding the celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas - was a time of wonder and reflection. Centuries-old carols tell this story, with some works presented here in their inherited form, others reimagined by skilled arrangers.

This programme reaches across the ages: from the eternal beauty of the Tudor church right up to the twenty-first century, with each piece chosen to evoke a sense of mystery and joy.

"Ingeniously programmed and impeccably delivered, with that undefinable excitement that comes from a group of musicians working absolutely as one." - Gramophone