Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Many Christmas musical events are happening but if any are cancelled and you are left feeling cheated, please take it from me………inspirational stuff is happening in Cambridge and every year they really do lift my spirits. So, if you have time or the inclination, please do check out King’s College website for their festive programme.

I have had the pleasure of being present at Kings College Chapel for many musical events. Of course, one of the most famous, with people travelling from all around the world to witness, being ‘Carols from King’s’. Tickets sold out weeks ago but we can still be a part of it by simply viewing or listening in our homes. On their website they say…

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service on 24 December at 3pm (10:00 EST or 07:00 PST). The service is also broadcast at 1pm on Radio 3 on Christmas Day, and at various times on the BBC World Service.

Carols from King’s is shown on BBC Two on Christmas Eve (please check the BBC TV guide for the time). This is recorded by the BBC early in December and is a different service from A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

The new year also has a treat for us. I tend to be glued to the Vienna Philharmonic concert on New Year’s Day. It’s become a tradition. Strauss is in my house all morning! On BBC 2 from 10.30am.

The Vienna New Year’s Concert (Neujahrskonzert der Wiener Philharmoniker) is an annual concert of classical music performed by the Vienna Philharmonic traditionally on the morning of New Year’s Day in Vienna, Austria.

The 2022 Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert will be under the baton of Daniel Barenboim in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. Daniel Barenboim’s close musical partnership with the Vienna Philharmonic started in 1965. After 2009 and 2014 the concert on January 1st marks the 3rd time, that Daniel Barenboim conducts this prestigious concert event.

The 2022 New Year’s Concert will be broadcast in over 90 countries and followed by millions of television viewers around the world.

Here’s to a brighter future where 2022 will allow us to play, enjoy and celebrate our instruments and our music. Cheers!!