A Ceremony of Carols by Britten, Tavener & Pärt

About the show

This December, in the awe-inspiring setting of Southwark Cathedral, Red Events presents a luminous Christmas programme centred on Benjamin Britten’s ‘A Ceremony of Carols’.

Written in 1942 during Britten’s sea voyage from the USA to England and premiered at Wigmore Hall in 1943, the cycle of 12 short movements for voices and harp sets ancient English and Latin texts with disarming clarity and brilliance. By turns mystical, playful and radiant, it has become one of the most beloved works of the Christmas season. In 2023, the musical world marked the 80th anniversary of this iconic masterpiece.

This special London performance enriches Britten’s masterpiece with sacred reflections by Sir John Tavener and Arvo Pärt - voices of our own time who, like Britten, have sought the intersection of spirituality and sound. Soprano Patricia Rozario OBE, a long-time muse of Taverner, will offer personal insight into his music, alongside her role as narrator and soloist.

Completing the programme, seasonal works by Ralph Allwood and other masters of English song invite audiences into the intimacy of a truly English Christmas.