Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra brings seasonal music to Exeter, Fareham, Marlborough, Poole, Portsmouth, Taunton and Weymouth this Christmas.
Family favourites include Last Night of the Christmas Proms and a screening of The Snowman accompanied live by the full orchestra.
Traditional Christmas classics include Handel’s Messiah, a traditional Celebration of Christmas Carols, and a series of New Year’s Gala performances.
There’s something for everyone this yuletide as the BSO presents festive performances throughout the South West. From traditional choral classics to a screening of beloved classic The Snowman — and everything in between — the BSO has it all wrapped up for you this Christmas.
Anthony Brown, BSO Head of Marketing and Curator of BSO Pops Series, said: “The festive season marks such a special time in our calendar and we’re delighted to be able to bring joyful music to venues across the South West this year. From Last Night of the Christmas Proms with brilliant pianist and singer Joe Stilgoe, to Handel’s beloved Messiah and a screening of everyone’s favourite classic The Snowman alongside the full forces of the BSO, there really is something for everyone — we can’t wait to see you there!”
Popular Favourites
The Snowman, lights up the big screen in two performances at Lighthouse, Poole [14 Dec]. The animated film is accompanied live by community-based choir, BSO Voices, and the full might of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. A young soloist joins the Orchestra for ‘Walking in the Air’.
Star of BBC Friday Night is Music Night and aficionado of Christmas music, Joe Stilgoe, joins the Orchestra for Last Night of the Christmas Proms in Exeter [19 Dec] , Portsmouth [20 Dec] and Poole [21 Dec]. Expect hits such as Oh I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, Sleigh Ride and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree in an ever- popular festive event that will have you dancing in the aisles!
Musical traditions
Beloved classic of the Christmas calendar, Handel’s Messiah, to be performed with Nicholas McGregan and Soprano Keri Fuge in Poole [11 Dec] as they retell the story of Christ with beautiful arias such as He was Despised and Rejected and I Know that My Redeemer Liveth and rousing choruses like For Unto Us a Child is Born as well as the ever-popular Hallelujah Chorus.
Prepare to waltz into 2025 with a BSO New Year Viennese Galas, taking place across the South West in Poole [1 Jan], Taunton [3 Jan], Weymouth [8 Jan], Fareham [9 Jan] and Marlborough [12 Jan].Soprano Soraya Mafi joins the BSO to welcome the New Year in with a flourish with music from Strauss such as Fledermaus Overture, Thunder and Lightning Polka, The Emperor Waltz, Radetzsky March and, of course, The Blue Danube!
Raise your voice in song
A traditional festive sing-along takes place at Lighthouse, Poole [23 Dec] as Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Youth Chorus unite with the Orchestra for favourite carols including O Come All Ye Faithful, Good King Wenceslas, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Nowell, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen and Hark the Herald Angels Sing and many more.
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