The Firework-Maker’s Daughter
Philip Pullman’s fairy tale becomes an enchanting piece of music theatre in David Bruce’s vivid chamber opera score and Glyn Maxwell’s playful libretto. The magical tale of courage and friendship – and fireworks – is suitable for all the family. Alice Farnham conducts.
• At Linbury Studio theatre, London, 10 December - 2 January. Box office 020-7304 4000.
Christmas Oratorio
The young baroque collective Solomon’s Knot bring freshness and intimacy to Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, performing from memory, without a conductor and two-to-a-part.
• At St Leonard’s church, Spitalfields, London, 15 December. Box office 020-7377 1362.
A Christmas Carol
Iain Bell’s one-man chamber opera version of the classic Dickens novella comes to Welsh National Opera’s home for two performances. Tenor Mark Le Brocq plays the bah-humbugging hero, as well as an awe-inspiring 21 other parts; James Southall conducts Polly Graham’s new production.
• At Weston Studio, Wales Millennium centre, Cardiff, 18 and 20 December. Box office: 029-2063 6464.
Harry Christophers and the Sixteen
The celebrated choir’s festive tour focuses on the relationship between the Virgin mother and child, with choral music spanning five centuries – from Tallis and Byrd to Tavener and MacMillan.
• At Glyndebourne, East Sussex, 6 December. Box office: 01273 815000. Then touring until 20 December.
The Messiah
Among tens, if not hundreds of festive Messiahs – Handel’s oratario that was, in fact, composed for Easter celebrations – York Minster’s offering is a top pick. Eye-catching soloists Mhairi Lawson, Katie Bray, Nicholas Mulroy and Grant Doyle perform alongside York Minster Choir, but surely the glories of the minster itself are the main attraction.
• At York Minster, 12 December. Box office: 01904 557200.
