Warwickshire Singers present an atmospheric concert of choral music

Warwickshire Singers will present Benjamin Britten’s radiant “A Ceremony of Carols” alongside Kristina Arakelyan’s recently premiered “A Christmas Offering” at St Francis of Assisi RC Church, 110 Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HL, Kenilworth on Monday 14 December at 7.30pm, offering audiences an evocative celebration of the festive season. Directed by Jim Bate with Erica Sinclair (harp) and David King (piano).

Written for treble voices and harp, Britten’s much-loved “A Ceremony of Carols” sets medieval and early English texts to music that moves from luminous stillness to vivid rhythmic energy. Kristina Arakelyan’s “A Christmas Offering” is a nine-movement companion piece to Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols”. Drawing on medieval English and Latin texts, it moves from the exuberant energy of “Alleluia!” to the contemplation of “Out of the East” and the tenderness of “There is No Rose”. Arakelyan’s contemporary musical language evokes a medieval sound world while reflecting her Armenian heritage and other Eastern influences.

Described as a ‘rising star’ (BBC Music Magazine 2021), composer-pianist Kristina is one of the most gifted and promising musicians of her generation. The programme will be directed by Jim Bate, with Erica Sinclair on harp.

The church is fully accessible, with parking spaces available for those with disabled permits.

Tickets: £15 (under-18’s £5) Booking: www.ticketsource.com/warwickshire-singers or on the door (subject to availability).