Joyeux Noël! - with London Gay Symphony Orchestra

For the first time ever, the Fourth Choir combines forces with the London Gay Symphony Orchestra for an evening of traditional Christmas music - including the London première of Les douze Noëls by baroque master Louis-Claude Daquin.

For the first half of the concert, we'll be crossing over the Channel and travelling back in time to the 18th century splendour of Daquin's wonderful set of pastoral songs, sung by the shepherds as they paid homage to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. In the second half of the concert, we will be performing Christmas repertoire which is generally more familiar this side of the Channel.

Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772) was a glittering musical star of his day who surpassed Rameau in the 18th century but whose fame faded after his death as he rarely transcribed his music, leaving us with only two full compositions. Like a modern day jazz musician, he improvised his compositions and so, without recordings, most of his wonderful music went to the grave with him. Luckily, these 12 Noëls (of which we will be singing 9) made it onto paper and we can now share these with you. These pieces, arranged by Simon Wright, capture the mystery and magic of Christmas in their sparkling Baroque elegance.

Tickets include mulled wine and a mince pie.