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Free holiday music

I think I mentioned this before, I was in London last year in December and I like to just pop into any interesting looking churches I see when I travel, to look around and light a candle when possible.

On two occasions the churches I visited were having rehearsals of their holiday shows. So by quietly entering and sitting I could hear some lovely music in a lovely setting. Yet another reason to check out that church you are walking past. You should also look for brochures in the lobby about upcoming performances.

Posted by
2456 posts

Great advice. We were lucky doing the same thing. Stopped in St. Martin's in the Field and a group of musicians were rehearsing for upcoming service and we sat there about an hour and it was delightful. We also were able to watch the choir at Wells Cathedral. As we were leaving town we noticed a lot of cars park by the Cathedral so we pulled over and asked someone what was happening. If was a choir rehearsal and the couple we asked invited us to enter as their guest. Truly memorable time.

Posted by
769 posts

Your post makes great suggestions although I had to read it twice to know what it meant. This really is such a big language difference between the US and the UK. For me (British) a “holiday show” would mean a summer show at maybe a holiday camp or on the pier!

Although we’re a multicultural nation, we very much use the word “Christmas.” The debate gets politicised a bit but I make no particular point here, just the linguistic one.

I guess you’re describing what we over here would call a Christmas Carol Concert or a Carol service maybe. Anyway, great idea. Actually at any time of year if you wander into a church you might hear organists or choirs practising, but particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

Posted by
3513 posts

I’m going to do just that when I’m in the UK in December.
I’m in a choir at home, so love to hear others especially at Christmas.
I was in Copenhagen a few years ago in December and saw a sign outside a lovely church, for a concert.
I walked closer to see the times, and heard the choir practicing.
When I peeked in , someone said I was welcome to sit in and listen.
I did, then came back that evening for the full concert.
The other thing is that you may discover an amazing church interior as an added bonus.

Posted by
4871 posts

Sorry if holiday was confusing, using the word Christmas these days can ruffle some feathers

Posted by
769 posts

Sorry if holiday was confusing, using the word Christmas these days can ruffle some feathers.

I get that - but it seemed particularly strange when you were specifically referring to music within the Christian church context!