*this event comprises of three separate identical one-hour concerts starting at 4.30pm, 6.30pm & 8.30pm. Performances will also be repeated on 12 December. If that day suits your schedule better, head here.*

the performers:

Flux Ensemble

the programme:

Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite + a few traditional Christmas carols

about the music:

The chances are you’ll have heard bits of this concert’s featured piece before, even if the name doesn’t ring a bell. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker has become a bit of a cult-classic around the festive season.

The story of The Nutcracker is loosely about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Sounds pretty bonkers, right?

The piece is fundamentally Christmassy - we can all relate in some way to it (despite the mad story-line) at this time of year. A magical world of young children opening their presents too early, an enchanted Christmas tree which grows abnormally fast, snowflakes and sweets.

If you don’t listen to the music or watch the ballet come December every year, we’d recommend adding it to the playlist.

The Nutcracker Suite is not the full ballet - it’s a sparkly little collection of the most famous dances from the fairy-tale. Arguably the most recognisable dance from the ballet, you probably have heard Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy before - since opening the Nutcracker sequence in Disney’s Fantasia, it’s become a household classic.

The dance comes as we enter Land of the Sweets with the little girl and the nutcracker, where the nutcracker now-turned-prince reigns from the Marzipan Castle. They are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and the pair fill her in on the dramatic events of the Mouse King. The music is every bit as jolly as a land full of sweets sounds.

The Suite continues through a number of dances based on the sounds of Russia, Arabia, and China, before concluding with the Waltz of the Flowers. This is the final dance of the ballet, where all the Sugar Plum Fairy's sweets join together to celebrate Clara and the prince. Pure festive romance and joy.

…and as if all of that was not enough to get you into a jolly Christmas mood, the quartet will also scatter some well-known carols throughout the evening.

about the performers:

Flux Ensemble are an exciting and versatile group of performers, bringing bags of expression and energy to whatever they play - from Vivaldi to tango, film soundtracks to Slade.

This event will be performed by Hannah Garty + Alleya Weibel (violins) + Martin Ash (viola) + Ruby Moore (cello).

the venue:

Grand Junction is located on the site of St Mary Magdelene’s Church, Paddington - and it’s a stunner.

You may have unwittingly already seen it, as it’s been used for a whole host of TV programmes and films - namely for Hugh Jackman’s scenes in the famous 2012 film adaptation of Les Miserables!

The whole venue will be lit by flickering candlelight, creating a magical and pretty unique atmosphere. It’ll be a beautiful way to spend any Winter evening.

the price:

£20