I am really starting to like this Christmas in London thing. I never fully embraced it in year's past because I always knew I would hop on a plane and that Christmas really began after that plane ride. I never thought to buy Nutcracker tickets or take in any Christmas music. I just drank some mulled wine and glanced at the big tree in Covent Garden as I passed. This year, I've changed all that (although you still couldn't pay me to go to Harrod's).
As you all know, Saturday I got a carol service under my belt. Sunday, I bought some Xmas decos and gifts for friends (fighting the crowds on Oxford Street should be enough of a gift but I digress). Last night I went to a friend's house and we ate Christmas cookies - it's all happening people! - however, what I am most looking forward to is Thursday's activity.
On Thursday, I bought tickets to see "The Glory of Christmas" music at St. Martins in the Fields. The concerts at St Martins are world renown and for as long as I have lived in London I have been meaning to see a performance there. I am so excited!
Here's the program for the nerds in the crowd that want to follow along. They're also doing the complete Brandenburg's later this month. I'm tempted but may have some conflicting engagements. Do'h!
Programme:
- Bach – excerpts from Christmas Oratorio
- Vivaldi - Winter from Four Seasons
- Handel - Selection from Messiah including ‘Hallelujah Chorus’
- Purcell - Christmas Music
- Readings and poems by Shakespeare, Kipling and Betjeman
- Carols for Choir and Audience
Following Thursday's performance I have tickets to the Nutcracker on Saturday as well. The English National Ballets performance (this old girl can't justify the cost of the Royal Ballet's tickets).
5 comments:
You've reached the tipping point! It always happens when you know you're leaving. London life takes it grip and lets you know what a great city it is. Why don't you just stay?
SO jealous - that concert at St. Martin's looks absolutely wonderful and just the thing to get you totally in the holiday spirit!
Enjoy!
Jamey
Well done Katie, you're embracing the spirit of the English Christmas! I'm also jealous that you're getting to see St Martin's, hope you enjoy and we'll be looking forward to a full report afterwards!
I'm SO glad you're going to St Martins - you will just love it and you'll be spreading the Christmas cheer from then til Christmas and beyond - I can guarantee it!
(just a small amount of jealousy....)
Seriously, why don't you just stay? I miss London so much my eyes are welling up just reading about your XMas adventures there.
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