Advent & Christmas at Malmesbury Abbey
A guide to concerts, services and drama in December 2013
SEEK HIM THAT MAKETH THE SEVEN STARS
Advent Carol Service by candlelight Malmesbury Abbey Sunday 1st December at 6.30pm. Admission Free.
Light in the darkness Abbey vicar, Neill Archer, introduces some of the highlights of his busiest month of the year
T
he early shopping for Christmas does me a huge favour. When I see the baubles and wrapping paper appear in the shops, I know that if I haven’t finished preparing Advent and Christmas at the Abbey then I’m in big trouble and need to get a move on. Every year, the music, the drama and the services of December are standing room only, with very good reason. So I want everyone in the town to know about it, to enjoy being a part of it, and to be inspired by it; just as I am. Advent begins by candlelight on Sunday December 1st with the mystery and beauty of our Advent Carol Service, Seek Him that maketh the Seven Stars, at 6.30pm. Advent feels like the best kept secret of the season, as we sing the great Advent carols like O come, O come Em-
manuel and Lo he comes in clouds descending and listen to ancient readings and breathtaking music by Tallis and Rachmaninoff. Shortly after that, two very special concerts are arriving. On December 7th perhaps this nation’s most loved choral work, Handel’s Messiah, is being performed by the Orchestra of St John with a team of outstanding young soloists. And then it is a great joy to welcome Sir James Galway back to Malmesbury on December 13th. Last year we completely packed the Abbey for the timeless beauty of his flute playing, we were a little worried when he tripped and fell over on the stage, but he and his golden flute survived and this year Sir James returns for a Christmas concert featuring the music of Bach and Vivaldi and with some special (continued overleaf)
THE
MALM NATIV
December 21st December 22n Christmas Eve Adults ÂŁ2, Child Malmesbury Ab
MESBURY VITY
t 4pm & 7pm nd 4pm 4pm & 6pm dren free bbey
Christmas items. Both concerts are to be conducted by John Lubbock, who collaborates each year with the Abbey on our Music for Autism project; and the interval champagne will be raising money for this charity. Astonishingly, one in four people in Malmesbury, of all generations, came to be a part of The Malmesbury Nativity last year. With energy, humour, beauty and drama, four Malmesbury legends, Aldhelm, Eilmer, William and Hannah Twynnoy, cross the boundaries of time to bring the story of the birth of Christ to the 21st century people of Malmesbury. The Malmesbury Nativity will include all your favourite carols, led by a live music band, and finishes with a Christmas tableau when all our children are welcomed on the stage in their Christmas costumes by our young professional actors. This year’s production is very similar to last year’s but with a new beginning. The rush for tickets has already begun. Our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is on Sunday 22nd December at 6.30pm and, like our Midnight Communion at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve and our Christmas Day service at 11am, we would advise you to arrive really early to get a seat. If you haven’t experienced Christmas at the abbey then perhaps this is your year to do it; it is very, very special. There is a simple December diary on the back of this brochure; you are very welcome to be a part of it all.
Malmesbury Abbey Enquiries 01666 826666 Box Office 01666 824339 office@malmesburyabbey.com www.malmesburyabbey.com issuu.com/malmesburyabbey
Handel’s Messiah The Orchestra of St John The Voices of St John John Lubbock (conductor) Alice Privett (soprano) Roderick Morris (counter-tenor) Christopher Turner (tenor) Bozidar Smiljanic (bass) Malmesbury Abbey Saturday 7th December at 7.30pm Tickets £30 & £25 (under 18s half price) From the Abbey Bookshop or 01666 824339
Sir James Galway Christmas at the Abbey The Orchestra of St John John Lubbock (conductor) Lady Jeanne Galway (flute) Louise Wayman (soprano) Johnny Herford (baritone)
Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Flutes Bach Cantata for Christmas Day & Arias from the Christmas Oratorio Vivaldi Flute Concerto and special Christmas items
Friday December 13th at 7.30pm
Tickets from the Abbey Bookshop or 01666 824339 £30 & £25, under-18s half price
December 1st
Advent Sunday, 8am & 10.30am Holy Communion 4pm Informal Worship with Junior Church 6.30pm Advent Carol Service by Candlelight
December 7th
Handel’s Messiah, The Orchestra of St John at 7.30pm
December 8th
8am & 10.30am Holy Communion 4pm Informal Worship with Junior Church
December 10th The County of Wiltshire Carol Service at 7pm December 13th Sir James Galway Christmas Concert at 7.30pm December 14th Malmesbury Singers Concert at 7.30pm December 15th 8am & 10.30am Holy Communion, 4pm Informal Worship with Junior Church December 16th Malmesbury CE Primary School Christmas Service December 18th Malmesbury School Carol Service at 7.30pm December 21st 4pm & 7pm The Malmesbury Nativity (1 & 2) December 22nd 8am & 10.30am Holy Communion 4pm The Malmesbury Nativity (3) 6.30pm Service of Nine & Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 4pm The Malmesbury Nativity (4) 6pm The Malmesbury Nativity (5) 11.30pm Midnight Communion (Carols from 11.15pm) Christmas Day 8am BCP Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 11am Family Celebration 12 noon Coffee & Champagne (bring a bottle!)