In this the 250th anniversary month of Jane Austen’s birth, we are delighted to present ‘A Georgian Christmas’ as the theme for our much-loved Carols by Candlelight concerts at The Pump Room.
Set against the twinkling backdrop of Bath’s seasonal sights, sounds and aromas, we will stage four one-hour performances of Christmas music on 18 & 19 December – making it possible for guests to fit in a concert around shopping, dining and general wassailing.
The early-evening performances, from 7–8pm, will include the angelic children of Voices for Life; while the later-evening ones, from 8.30–9.30pm, will feature the virtuosic violin-playing of Hester Wiltshire, specialist musician from Wells Cathedral School.
In a heartwarming programme specially curated by conductor Benedict Collins Rice, the music to be performed is all drawn from the Georgian era, a mix of the traditional and the not-so-familiar.
Join us in The Pump Room for a joyous celebration that many generations call the true start of Christmas in Bath.
Voices for Life Bath Children’s Choir
Hester Wiltshire violin
Marcus Sealy accompanist
Benedict Collins Rice conductor
Each night a retiring collection will be taken in support of two local charities. We are grateful to our audience of 2024 whose generous donations were shared between:
Nigel Perrin Memorial Fund
Musical Director of Bath Bach Choir for 33 years, Nigel Perrin was a consummate musician and performer who brought inspirational leadership to choirs, musical soloists and young singing students during the course of his amazing life. With his infectious personality and passion for musicality and performance, he passed on the lessons he had learned from childhood as a chorister at Ely Cathedral, inspiring singers in all walks of life to realise the best musical version of themselves and their groups. Nigel was acutely aware of the challenges faced by individuals, choirs and schools in funding their singing endeavours. A modest grant can help support singing lessons for a gifted pupil, take a school chamber choir on a life-changing tour, or enable a choral director to attempt a more ambitious programme. We are starting out on the journey to a long-lasting grant scheme for which we hope to attain charitable status. Awards will be made after thoughtful discussion with a team of respected musical and professional leaders.
BANES Carers’ Centre
The Carers’ Centre works to improve the lives of unpaid carers across Bath and North East Somerset by supporting them to stay well, in control and feeling connected. Looking after someone can be very rewarding, but without the right support it can take a toll on physical and mental health. The Carers’ Centre offers free wellbeing activities for carers of all ages so they can take some time away from their caring role. It helps them navigate a complex health and social care system, offers financial guidance and employment advice, and provides them with a safe and supportive space to come together.
2023:
Teenage Cancer Trust
SHIPS Project
2022:
Ripple Effect
Voices for Life
2021:
Bath Cats & Dogs Home
Ethiopiaid
2020:
There were no retiring collections at our 2020 concerts at the Assembly Rooms.
2019:
Julian House
Citizens Advice Bath & North East Somerset
2018:
The Carers’ Centre
ChallengeAid
2017:
Bath Welcomes Refugees
St Peter’s Hospice
2016:
Young Carers Development Trust
Samaritans of Bath & District
2015:
Genesis Trust
Soundwell Music Therapy Trust
2014:
‘Singing for the Brain’ at the Peggy Dodd Centre, Bath
2013:
Connect – the communication disability network
East Meets West India
2012:
The Children’s Society
Bath Cancer Unit Support Group