Ex Cathedra’s singers will perform a spellbinding sequence of seasonal favourites, little-known gems, and inspirational new music. This year’s programme includes a mix of music from composers through the ages, including a new edition of the 1591 favourite Coventry Carol, through to a contemporary piece by former Master of the Queen’s Music Dame Judith Weir. Liz Dilnot-Johnson, Ex Cathedra composer-in-residence, premieres her new work Ring out wild bells.

Add a selection of readings that capture the mystery – and humour – of Christmas, and you won’t want to miss these popular, atmospheric concerts.

The tour begins on 4th December at St John’s Church, Hagley, before visiting Hereford Cathedral, St Chad’s Church Shrewsbury, St James the Greater in Leicester, Lichfield Cathedral, Coventry Cathedral, St Mary’s Church, Moseley, St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, St Peter’s Wolverhampton and St Paul’s Church in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

Ex Cathedra’s festive season begins on Sunday 1 December when they perform Bach’s monumental Mass in B Minor at Birmingham’s Town Hall. This epic work showcases Bach’s complete mastery of his art, with a beauty that resonates deep within the listener. With several current and former Ex Cathedra scholars featuring as soloist, this concert is also a showcase of some of the best emerging talent in the country.

Jeffrey Skidmore, Artistic Director of Ex Cathedra, comments “For many people, Christmas Music by Candlelight represents the start of Christmas. This year’s unique programme will include an eclectic mixture of seasonal goodies, guaranteed to give some serenity to the festive rush. Let’s not forget our performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor at Town Hall. This monumental piece is one of Ex Cathedra’s most loved works – no-one writes music like Johann Sebastian Bach. I do hope you will be able to join us this December.”