The Northern Chamber Orchestra brings ‘Christmas in Vienna’ to Tatton Park on 8 December

The Northern Chamber Orchestra brings ‘Christmas in Vienna’ to Tatton Park on 8 December, and is joined by St Nicholas Catholic High School Choir from Northwich

The Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO) is bringing ‘Christmas in Vienna’ to one of Cheshire’s landmark attractions, Tatton Park, Knutsford, on Thursday 8 December, 8pm. Gliding into the Yuletide season, the concert features infectiously-uplifting Viennese waltzes, marches and polkas by members of the famous musical dynasty – the Strauss family.  These include: the sparkling ‘Champagne Polka’; ‘Radetzky March’; the much-loved Overture from ‘Die Fledermaus’; a particularly quick-tempoed polka, called Auf Ferienreisen’ (‘On a Holiday’), which announces itself with a jolly trumpet call; and perhaps the most famous of all – ‘The Blue Danube’ waltz.  Krein’s ‘Gypsy Carnival’ and Brahms’ ‘Hungarian Dance no 5’ keep the melodies flowing, along with carols and choral works – some sung by St Nicholas Catholic High School Choir from Hartford near Northwich, conducted by the School’s Director of Music, Helen McKenna.  The choir did such a great job last year performing to a packed, very appreciative full-house, that it has been invited back. The start to Christmas doesn’t get more bubbly than this!

Kieran Kelly, Headteacher at St Nicholas Catholic High School said: “The members of the Choir thoroughly enjoyed the experience of performing with a professional orchestra in one of Cheshire’s most special attractions last year, and we are thrilled to have been invited back!  We will be singing lovely songs including ‘Do you hear what I hear?’/ ‘The Christmas Star’ and ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas’, and rehearsals have been going well!”

The ‘Christmas in Vienna’ concert starts at 8pm and directly beforehand, from 7pm, ticket holders are invited to step into Tatton’s ‘Gloriumptious Christmas Mansion’ and Roald Dahl’s magical world.  His extraordinary storytelling weaves itself through the grand staterooms and into the servants’ quarters.  Actor, writer and director, Kate Millward (whose talents include creating and performing her own material, specialising in bespoke, festive narratives) will present the concert and bring a touch of literary drama with a few specially-selected readings and poems. As an extra treat, the concert ticket price includes a warming, winter drink or fruit juice.

NCO’s new General Manager, Tom Elliott said: “What better way to kick off the festive celebrations than with an evening of Viennese masterpieces in the sumptuous surroundings of Tatton’s historic mansion.  We can’t wait, and will be warming our voices up for the audience carols!”

Tickets for NCO’s ‘Christmas in Vienna’ concert at Tatton Park on Thursday 8 December, 8pm, are priced £22 (for seats further forward) / £18; £12 for 18s and under (includes a warming, winter drink or fruit juice and the opportunity to look around the Mansion from 7pm).  They are available from the NCO Box Office: 0161 247 2220 and direct from Tatton: 01625 374400. NOT available On The Door.