Bath’s Lucis Choir will conclude their 10th anniversary celebrations with a Gala Concert at Bath Abbey on Tuesday, 17th December. This special Christmas event is being held in collaboration with the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI), which is also marking its bicentenary year.
The concert will feature a festive programme, including a world premiere of Lux Aeterna, composed by the choir’s patron, Will Todd, to commemorate their decade-long journey. A variety of Bath-based musical ensembles, including Noctis Chamber Choir, Bath Celebration Choir, The Alley Barbers, Cavacante, and the Bristol Ensemble, will also perform.
To mark BRLSI’s 200 years of promoting arts, literature, and science in Bath, Lucis’ musical director, Francis Faux, has arranged a special version of O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree), first composed in 1824, the same year BRLSI was founded.
“This programme encapsulates the spirit of Lucis,” said Francis Faux. “Over the past decade, we’ve brought something unique to our audiences, collaborating with world-renowned choral composers and championing local talent.” He highlighted their work with notable names such as Christopher Tin, Ola Gjeilo, Eric Whitacre, and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
BRLSI Chair, Professor Ian Gadd, welcomed the partnership: “We’re thrilled to celebrate our milestone alongside Lucis and to close 2024 with such a significant event. This collaboration beautifully captures Bath’s cultural richness.”
Tim Snowden, BRLSI’s music convenor and co-musical director for the concert, added: “This is an exciting programme featuring a diverse range of music. Highlights include my arrangement of In the Bleak Mid-Winter, performed by the combined choirs, and a unique Brazilian Choro piece by local group Cavacante.”
Other performances will include the Bath Celebration Choir, marking its fifth anniversary, and The Alley Barbers, a student barbershop ensemble from the University of Bath.
Tickets for this festive evening are expected to sell quickly as Bath Abbey provides a stunning backdrop for what promises to be a memorable celebration of music and community. The full programme details and tickets available at the Bath Box Office https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on/anniversary-gala-concert-for-christmas