Birmingham Bach Choir: Nine Lessons and Carols at St Paul's Church, Birmingham

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Posted 2023-12-07 by Andy Coleman ⇒ follow

Sun 17 Dec 2023

Birmingham Bach Choir will lead the Nine Lessons and Carols Service at St Paul's Church in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter at 3.30pm on Sunday December 17, 2023. The esteemed choir will sing a selection of traditional and newer Christmas carols, interspersed with nine readings telling the Christmas story. There is no charge for entry, although a collection box will be available for donations.

Birmingham Bach Choir (pic: Dave Freak)

Among the musical selections are such firm favourites as Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Once in Royal David's City and O Come All Ye Faithful. They are joined by such lesser-known, but equally enjoyable, fare including Iain Farrington's jazz-influenced contemporary carol, Nova, and Magnificat Collegium Regale by choir conductor Paul Spicer's mentor, composer Herbert Howells.

With everyone encouraged to raise the roof on a number of well-known carols, it's an afternoon event that evokes the true spirit of Christmas, as well as offering attendees the chance to hear beautiful music sung by one of the region's most lauded choirs. Birmingham Bach Choir has been contributing to the musical life of the West Midlands since 1919, making it one of the longest-established musical groups in the area. Although the main focus is the Baroque period (especially JS Bach), the choir performs music spanning 600 years, including 20th and 21st-century works, and has premiered many new choral works.

Birmingham Bach Choir Conductor Paul Spicer (pic: Dave Freak)

Philip Bellshaw, Chairman of Birmingham Bach Choir, said: “Our annual Christmas service is always one of the highlights of the year for us. The programme is a delight, mixing familiar festive favourites with some lesser-known pieces, all of which wonderfully evoke that very special Christmas spirit.

“The historic St Paul’s Church is also a lovely setting. A tranquil oasis on the fringes of the Jewellery Quarter, it’s just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre, making the afternoon a real opportunity to enjoy a moment of calm and joy, away from the noise.”