Join Classical FM’s Zeb Soanes for an evening celebrating traditional and modern carols at All Hallows by the Tower, London.

Two national charities are coming together to celebrate the Sounds of Christmas Past Present and Future on the 1st of December

Enter the Churches Conservation Trust’s Seasonal Photography Competition for a chance to win a pair of free tickets

Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) and Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) are excited to announce Christmas Past, Present, and Future: The Sounds of Christmas in our Historic Churches; a unique Christmas Carol Concert hosted by Zeb Soanes, which will explore the nature of traditional and modern carols and their symbolism within historic churches in a unique narrative combining words, live choral music, and participative song.

Following a successful partnership for the virtual event The Big Christmas Carol Service in December 2020, RSCM and CCT are once again teaming up to host another unique and exciting collaboration, showcasing the continued importance of church buildings, engaging in the history of congregational singing, and exploring the living tradition of carols.

Classic FM presenter, concert host, and author Zeb Soanes will bring to life the tale of these intertwined histories. 

Tickets for the in person event, which will take place on 1st December 2022 from 7-8.30 pm at All Hallows by the Tower, London EC3R 5BJ, are priced at £25. However, a fortunate few could be in with the chance to win a free pair of tickets by entering the Churches Conservation’s Trust seasonal photography competition on social media, please visit visitchurches.org.uk/seasonalphotographycompetition for more information.

Churches, by design, provide the perfect setting for music of every kind both acoustically and aesthetically. However, if you were to visit a church on Christmas Day 1644, you would have heard, at best, some verses from Psalms, chanted first by the clerk, and then raggedly repeated by the congregation. Since then, a great passion for song has emerged. From slight tuneful murmurings during the Reformation to theatrical styles of worship in the Victorian era to the inspirational carols we know and love today. During this unique, interactive, event, Zeb will explore what we may come to expect from carols in the future by reflecting on their journey over the past 400 years.

In addition to filling the oldest church in the City of London with festive sounds, a digital recording of the event will also be made available, providing those who are unable to join in person or those who simply wish to relive the evening with the opportunity to listen, learn, and enjoy the event online from 14 December at 7 pm at the very reasonable price of £5.  All sale proceeds will be split evenly between CCT and RSCM to contribute to the vital work of each charity.

 

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