Experience the enchantment of Viennese Christmas at our spectacular concert!

Immerse yourself in the timeless melodies of Johann Strauss with the lively “Die Fledermaus Overture” and the foot-tapping “Tritsch-Tratsch Polka.” Feel the romantic allure of Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty Waltz” and the vibrant rhythms of Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance No. 5.”

Let the magic of the holiday season sweep you away with the iconic “Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky, evoking the joys of childhood dreams. And no Viennese concert would be complete without the breathtaking “Blue Danube” waltz, an embodiment of elegance and grace.

Join us as we celebrate the spirit of Christmas with a symphonic feast that will leave your heart soaring and your soul filled with joy!

Duration 2 hours including a short interval

PROGRAMME

Strauss – Die Fledermaus Overture
Strauss – Tritsch-Tratsch Polka
Tchaikovsky – Sleeping Beauty Waltz
Brahms – Hungarian Dance No. 5
Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker Suite
Strauss – Blue Danube Waltz

+ some fun arias from yours truly!

Sofia Kirwan-Baez (voice & piano) is BACK with her mad piano lounge in its original form! Expect an evening of music where anything can happen – requests from Bob Dylan to Mozart, Beyonce to the Eagles, and Sofia’s signature blend of warmth, wit, and jazzy flair. Equal parts cabaret and jazz dive, this long-awaited return revives the spirit of the OSO Piano Lounges, first launched in 2020, which became beloved for their spontaneity, humour, and intimacy. Whether it’s a soulful ballad or a Puccini aria with a twist, expect the unexpected.

The first half of the night features a very special treat: fresh from her Casio Sessions 2025 win with her original song Perfect Imperfections, Sofia will perform an unreleased short set of her own music. Her debut album Take One and a Half was praised by We Write About Music for instilling “a true sense of calm and easiness that comes directly from her vocals” – a quality that shines through in her heartfelt songwriting.

When not on major operatic stages, Sofia can be found behind the piano at London’s most iconic venues, including The Dorchester, The Savoy, and Fortnum’s Tea Rooms. A night of charm and laughter awaits.

Doors open at 7pm
Music starts at 7.30
Interval at 8.30
Music ends at 9.30(ish)

Under the direction of Sarah Baldock, Winchester Philharmonic Choir will be joined by Winchester College Choral Society and Chapel Choir and Winchester Cathedral Chamber Choir to perform one of the finest works in the choral repertoire, Bach’s Mass in B Minor.
The orchestra will be The Oxford Bach Soloists a baroque ensemble, playing with authentic instruments.

They will be accompanied by five outstanding soloists Sofia Kirwan-Baez soprano, Charlotte Bowden soprano, Hugh Cutting countertenor, Sebastian Hill tenor and Morgan Pearse bass.

Programme:
Clemens – Magi videntes stellam
Bach – Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit (‘What my God wills always occurs’), BWV 111

The cantata ‘Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit’ begins the new year with vigorous resolve. Inspired by the story of the faithful centurion it was composed in 1725 in Leipzig for the third Sunday after Advent.
The chorale upon which it is based is a hymn dating back to pre-Reformation days and is woven into pieces by several composers Bach admired including Lassus and Schutz. Its distinctive melodic shape and harmony elicit great energy in Bach’s writing whilst its central duet for alto and tenor depict two souls drawing close to heaven.

Hannah Wakeford from the University of Bristol (and co-author of Bang!! The Complete History of the Universe with Chris Lintott and Brian May) will take us on a journey to explore how measuring the atmosphere of exoplanets in galaxies far, far away using telescopes like Hubble and the John Webb to try to understand their climate and environments offer a window onto our own solar system.

Throughout the season we also shine a light on the music of the Flemish composer Jacobus Clemens (c. 1510 – 1556). A prolific composer of sacred music, he was greatly admired by many of his contemporaries including Orlando Lassus. Today we hear the motet Magi videntes stellam, a contemplation of the ‘wise men’s’ joy at sighting the Star of Bethlehem.