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How about folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne with their Christmas concert – to beautiful Christmas classics and festive favourites, being performed by the talented young musicians from Chetham’s School of Music? Or there’s traditional and new carols with The Stoller Hall favourites, Kantos Chamber Choir, or Big band swing and dance with The Syd Lawrence Orchestra? Perhaps a Magical ‘Jukebox’ concert, or a song-writing workshop for all the family to enjoy? Christmas is for everyone at The Stoller Hall this year.
If there’s still room in your stocking, how about heading along to the Free Artisan Festive Market for unique and locally sourced Christmas gifts, before Swinging into Christmas with the Down for the Count Concert Orchestra celebrating the music of the late greats, including Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra?
From traditional Christmas carols and the familiar sounds of your favourite festive tunes, to upbeat swing and rock ’n’ roll - there is an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary live music to suit all tastes and ages.
Kicking off two weeks of festive fun at The Stoller Hall will be the talented students at Chetham’s School of Music who will perform beautiful Christmas classics and festive favourites on Friday 9 December. Pieces will include the Christmas Song, Carol of the Bells and the Christmas Overture.
On Sunday 11 December the festivities continue with a “rocktastic” night with Tyneside’s legendary 70s rock-folk pioneers, Lindisfarne. They first grabbed the attention of the country in the 1970’s with a string of memorable albums and evergreen classics including Meet Me on the Corner, We Can Swing Together, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home. In 2022 and in top form, the band is pleased to return with a series of UK concerts, Lindisfarne Up Close & Seasonal, presented by a classic five-piece line up of long-time members fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. With a repertoire of unforgettable songs and a reputation for live performance second to none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd in the Christmas spirit and singing along.
During the day also on Sunday 11 December, The Stoller Hall’s much loved Artisan Markets will be in full swing. This is the perfect Christmas shopping experience for those searching for something different and a more relaxed shopping experience, away from the busy crowds, in the beautiful surrounds of its atrium.
For lovers of big band swing, join the fun on Saturday 17 December for a lively evening with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Renowned for its exciting blend of high octane big band swing and classic dance music, the orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the wartime million sellers of the legendary Glenn Miller through the era of the great Count Basie Orchestra to the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
For those who fancy a more traditional festive outing – Carols from Kantos returns on Sunday 18 December for what is likely to be another sell out afternoon concert complete with carols, choral music and a Christmas sing along.
On Thursday 22 December, celebrate the festive season in style with the vocalists and instrumentalists of Down for the Count Concert Orchestra, as they too swing into Christmas recreating the music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and many more in a luscious 25-piece orchestral setting evoking the sounds of the great Capitol Studios recordings.
For families, there is plenty on offer at the Stoller Hall from story-telling to musical workshops. Dave Gibb’s Family Jukebox is the perfect show to take the whole family to this Christmas. Join Dave and his magical musical jukebox on a trip through his bonkers and often surreal imagination “packed full of catchy and toe-tapping numbers.” (The Guardian). He will also be running a family song writing workshop, where children aged 6+ can learn to create their very own catchy lyrics and toe-tapping rhythms.
Stoller Hall’s monthly family musical story telling workshops continue on Sunday 18 December for the last session of the year, with The Chocolate Wolf at Christmas. Come and shelter in Ferocious Wolf’s Chocolate Shop and listen to a cosy, Christmassy story – accompanied by original drawings and beautiful song. Ahead of their performance on Sunday 18 December at 4pm, vocalists from Kantos Chamber Choir will also take part in this workshop adding their unique and magical sound to the story.
Additional December highlights include pioneering solo percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie – one of the world’s most celebrated performing artists – returning at the start of the month for a night presented in partnership with NQ Jazz. Joining her on stage on 1 December are Trio HLK, three of the UK’s most creative musicians, for an evening of deconstructed jazz, shimmering jazz standards and a veritable battery of percussion.
Fran Healey General Manager at the Stoller Hall said: “Christmas is always such a joyous time at The Stoller Hall and this year’s programme is guaranteed to get all concert goers, big and small, in the festive mood. We are thrilled to present such a lively programme of live music and events this December and there really is something for everybody - whether you prefer traditional or contemporary Christmas entertainment. We really are committed to making our concerts as wide-ranging and appealing as possible so that everybody regardless of age or taste can experience the joy that is live music.”
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