Christmas 2026 - The Mystery of Christmas

What is the mystery of Christmas? There might be many replies to such a question, but one answer has been given by two of the composers who feature in this year's selection of Christmas music.

We shall sing two different versions of O Magnum Mysterium, settings of the mediaeval Latin text marvelling at the presence of two very humble domestic animals - the ox and the ass - at such a significant moment, the birth of Jesus in a stable at Bethlehem. The first is from 1587 by the Italian composer, Gabrieli. The second is by the American composer, Morten Lauridsen from 1994.

Three of the Christmas pieces from Handel's Messiah will also appear, with some solos, as will some traditional carols, such as Masters in this Hall, and a few modern carols, such as Bethlehem from the musical, Martin Guerre (1996) and Christmas Lullaby by Jason Robert Brown (1996).

Also from the twentieth century, we shall be including three of the French composer, Francis Poulenc's, Christmas Motets, published in 1952, Hodie Christus natus est, Quem vidistis pastores dicite? and Videntes stellam.

Hafren Brass ([email protected]) are once again accompanying the choir this year and will also treat us to some interludes of their own chosen Christmas music. Find them on Instagram: @hafrenbrass