Sunday 6 December 2026, 5pm
- Saffron Hall
- Good availability
- Tiered seating
The Sixteen: A Ceremony of Carols
The Sixteen: A Ceremony of CarolsPresented by Saffron Hall
Wolcum Yole! Britten’s compendium of carols is centrepiece and inspiration for The Sixteen’s programme, ushering in Christmas with music spanning six centuries.
Written in the darkest of times on a wartime transatlantic voyage, the radiance and joy of Britten’s music would pierce any midwinter gloom. Harry Christophers’ superb and ever-versatile choral forces surround it with music from medieval to the present day, ancient texts in praise of Mary, and the poetic iconography of a blooming rose, that image of perfection symbolizing both Jesus and his mother. It’s a sequence that returns to familiar words with a huge variety of styles, replenishing our spirits and finding new hope in that glorious song of old.
Supporters
This concert is made possible by a Circle of Supporters
Performance information
Running time
Content warnings
Age Guidance 7+
This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to this performance.
Booking information
Seating style
This event has tiered stalls and balcony seating
Discounts
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Programme and performers
Programme
- Britten A Hymn to the Virgin
- Anon mediaeval c1420 There is no rose
- Parry Welcome, Yule
- Ballet lute book Sweet was the song
- Laura Sheils Adam lay ybounden
- Palestrina Hodie Christus natus est
- Palestrina Gloria from Missa Hodie Christus natus est
- Dom Gregory Murray The Rose of Bethlehem
- Palestrina Ne timeas
- Anon mediaeval Angelus ad virginem
- Victoria Alma Redemptoris Mater
- Francis Pott A Hymn to the Virgin
- Lucy Walker There is no rose
- Cecilia McDowall Of a Rose
- Anon The Salutation Carol
- Britten A Ceremony of Carols
Performers
- The Sixteen
- Harry Christophers conductor
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Information for your visit
Sunday 6 December 2026, 5pm
Schedule
All timings are approximate and will be updated closer to the show date. Please check the website on the day of the performance for up-to-date information.
Latecomers can usually be admitted at a suitable gap within the performance.
Pre-show shuttle bus
4pm - 5pm
Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.
When to arrive
4pm - 4.45pm
We have over 400 free parking spots for anyone driving.
Foyer opens
4pm
Enjoy a drink at the bar before the auditorium opens.
Auditorium opens
4.30pm
Get your tickets ready for checking, find your seats, sit back and relax.
Show starts
5pm
Interval
Interval (20 mins)
Show ends
To be confirmed
Post-show shuttle bus
Operating from Saffron Hall to Audley End Station
Content warnings
Age Guidance 7+
This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to this performance.
Location
Saffron Hall
Transport
Shuttle bus
Additional information
Cloakroom
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