An evening of sparkling seasonal music and spoken word with Claudia Boyle, the National Symphony Orchestra and special guests Cór Linn and actor Stephen Rea.
David Brophy conductor
Claudia Boyle soprano
Stephen Rea actor
Cór Linn (Mary Amond O’Brien, Choral Director)
Programme includes:
Donizetti ‘O luce di quest’anima’ (Linda di Chamonix)
Dvořák Song to the Moon (Rusalka)
John Williams Three Holiday Songs from Home Alone
Adam O Holy Night
Rimsky-Korsakov Polonaise from Christmas Eve
Bach/Gounod Ave Maria
Gruber Silent Night
Prokofiev Troika from Lieutenant Kijé
Philip Lane Another Night Before Christmas
Leontovych Carol of the Bells
Puccini ‘Mi chiamano Mimì’ (La bohème)
Thomas ‘Je suis Titania’ (Mignon)
This Christmas, the National Symphony Orchestra makes a welcome return to the National Opera House. Celebrate the magic of Christmas in sumptuous, glamorous style with Claudia Boyle’s ‘stupendous coloratura sophistication and radiance’ (Neue Musikzeitung) as the internationally acclaimed soprano joins the major forces of the NSO, Cór Linn, the National Concert Hall’s choir of young singers aged 14 to 18, and conductor David Brophy for a holiday celebration for all the family.
The Oscar- and Olivier Award-nominated, BAFTA Award-winning actor Stephen Rea joins in the festive fun to read Carol Ann Duffy’s magical timeless tale Another Night Before Christmas accompanied by Philip Lane’s enchanting score.
And because it’s Christmas, there is something for everyone: the old, new and traditional blended together in a generously filled musical Christmas stocking packed with much-loved favourites from the concert hall, opera stage and cinema screen.
From the exhilarating orchestral brilliance of Rimsky-Korsakov and Prokofiev, to high operatic emotions – elegant showpieces by Donizetti (‘O luce di quest’anima’ from Linda di Chamonix) and Dvořák (‘Song to the Moon’), and Puccini’s Christmas Eve-set La bohème – and from Leroy Anderson’s tinsel-coloured seasonal celebration to the sublime O Holy Night, it’s a sleigh-ride of melody and colour.
Add in the ringing choral jewel Carol of the Bells and luscious Hollywood emotion of John Williams’ music for festive film fixture Home Alone, and we guarantee a night that will make this year a Christmas to remember.
