A Classical Christmas | Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Imagine yourself in a wintery wonderland as an evening of orchestral Christmas delights awaits you. Beloved ballet suites from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty are filled with glittering melodies, alongside another seasonal favourite – the Prelude to Hansel and Gretel. The vibrant Dance of the Tumblers from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Snow Maiden opera perfectly complements the gliding Skaters’ Waltz, which conjures images as much of ice dance as of swirling around a ballroom. Completing the programme are Kaprálová’s Prélude de Noël, a lesser-known gem infused with Czech folk melodies and carols, and Vaughan Williams’ Prelude on an Old Carol Tune, based on On Christmas night the joy-bells ring.

Shiyeon Sung makes her debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for this festive programme. A past winner of both the Sir Georg Solti International Conductors' Competition and Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition, her trailblazing career has already seen her work with a wealth of international orchestras.