Opera superstar at festive concert

Warwick is to play host to two classical Christmas concerts within the next week.
Sir Willard WhiteSir Willard White
Sir Willard White

The first gig is at Warwick Arts Centre and sees opera star Sir Willard White joining Armonico Consort for Bach’s Christmas Oratorio on Sunday.

Born in Jamaica, Sir Willard White is one of the best-loved and most versatile opera stars of the last 40 years.

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His career has taken him to the most prestigious opera houses and concerts halls throughout the world, collaborating with the greatest conductors, directors and orchestras.

Sir Willard tends to sing more frequently with musicians playing on modern-day instruments, so performing with the period instrument ensemble, Armonico Consort, offers a distinctly different experience.

He said: “Singing with ‘period instruments’ feels softer and fragile. Paradoxically, there is a profound invitation to listen differently. It also requires control. More care needs to be taken with the vocal presentation I, as a singer, need to make.”

Then on Tuesday the Armonico Consort choir gives an enchanting, Carols By Candlelight concert at St Mary’s Church, Warwick.

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In a beautiful, atmospheric setting, audiences can expect a vibrant mix of traditional and well-known carols and surprising new works, including The Astronomer’s Carol, a new piece by composer-in-residence Toby Young.

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with Sir Willard White is at Warwick Arts Centre starts at 7.30pm.

The Carols by Candlelight takes place at the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick at 7.30pm.

For further information about either of the concerts visir www.armonico.org.uk.