SNOWMAN FEATURE

The Snowman flies again

For one day only the Mozart Symphony Orchestra performs its popular Christmas concert in Cheltenham, fresh from its appearance in London.

On Friday 23 December the Mozart Symphony Orchestra performs the soundtrack to Raymond Briggs’ classic film ‘The Snowman’, shown simultaneously on the big screen, at Cheltenham Town Hall. Thirteen-year-old Alice Mackenzie makes her fourth appearance with the orchestra, singing the song ‘Walking in the air’, made famous by Aled Jones 40 years ago.

First shown on Boxing Day, 1982, the film was an immediate success and nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, winning a BAFTA TV award. It has since become a staple of Christmas family viewing and has been performed by the orchestra in Cheltenham every Christmas since 2015 (with one exception for Covid).

Audiences often comment how special it is to watch the film as a live orchestra provides the soundtrack. The Times newspaper wrote, “You would be hard pushed to find a more magical Christmas experience.”

The programme also features other pieces of music aimed at young audiences, with narrator and orchestra, but you’ll have to wait just a little longer before you can find out which ones… look out for an announcement on the Town Hall website soon!

The Mozart Symphony Orchestra of London is a new and contemporary ensemble and one of the most exciting orchestras to emerge from London’s vibrant classical music scene in recent years. London has a much-deserved reputation as a leader in the world of classical music and the Mozart Symphony Orchestra is a vital part of that. Its famous children’s concerts are designed not just as pure entertainment but also as a fun way to introduce children to the amazing sound world of the symphony orchestra. All in all, ‘The Snowman’ is the ideal Christmas treat for the family. Shows last approximately one and a half hours, including an interval during which children and their grown ups may get an ice cream!

The Snowman Fri 23 Dec, Shows at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Tickets Cheltenham Town Hall Box Office W: Cheltenhamtown hall.org.uk T: 01242 528764.

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All these exciting activities and more can be found at the centre’s website (below) but also feel free to reach out to them on social media or email and they’ll be happy to help. They look forward to seeing you soon!

Boulders Cheltenham W:

cheltenham.bouldersuk.com E: cheltenham@bouldersuk.com