A surefire way to get that festive spirit flowing
Love Actually stars Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon(Image: Universal Pictures)
Getting in the Christmas spirit might be tough this early, but there’s one festive event which sounds so relaxing, you need to know about it.
On December 11, the London Concertante is performing its classic, candlelight concert, Christmas at the Movies, at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff celebrating some of the world’s most beloved Christmas films.
From the mischievous charm of Home Alone and Elf, to the heartwarming melodies of Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful Life, and The Polar Express, the concert promises to transport audiences straight into the heart of the festive season.
The Christmas concert is just one of five candlelit concerts coming to Cardiff, offering audiences the chance to experience five distinct programmes across the season in two of Wales’ most historic places. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
On October 2, the season opens with A Night At The Opera by Candlelight at Llandaff Cathedral, celebrating some of opera’s most iconic arias, duets, and overtures. Featuring four acclaimed soloists and music by composers including Mozart, Puccini, and Rossini, the concert offers audiences a journey through operatic storytelling.
Following this, London Concertante return to St John the Baptist City Parish Church in the city on Saturday, November 7 with The Four Seasons and The Lark Ascending by Candlelight. Featuring Vivaldi’s much-loved Four Seasons alongside Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, this concert brings together virtuosic solo writing and lyrical orchestral textures, celebrating nature, renewal, and the expressive power of the violin.
On December 1 there will be two candlelight concerts featuring a spectacular live big band and the UK’s number one Michael Bublé tribute act.
The season closes on Friday, January 1, with two concerts at Llandaff Cathedral, firstly with Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight. This programme brings together some of the best-loved music ever written for piano. At the heart of the programme is Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, one of the most famous and haunting works in the piano repertoire. Then, the Viennese Christmas Spectacular, a cumulative celebration of the festive season. The programme brings Vienna to Llandaff, showcasing beloved waltzes, orchestral favourites and operetta classicals. Expect an evening of festive charm and nostalgia.
London Concertante is renowned for performances that combine expressive depth with accessibility, and their candlelit concerts have become a firm favourite with audiences across the UK. With over 300 performances each year, the ensemble is celebrated for bringing classical, contemporary, and crossover repertoire to life in atmospheric venues, creating immersive experiences for both seasoned concertgoers and first-time audiences.
Each Cardiff concert is designed as a relaxed and welcoming experience. Seating is unreserved within each ticket band, encouraging audiences to arrive early and enjoy the cathedral as it fills with candlelight throughout the evening.
Artistic director of London Concertante Chris Grist said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Cardiff to present five different programmes, exploring the range of what London Concertante does best. These concerts invite audiences to experience familiar repertoire in new and unexpected ways, all within a beautiful candlelit setting.”
Live Performance Details – Llandaff Cathedral
- A Night at the Opera by Candlelight Friday, October 2, 7.30pm
- Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight – Friday, December 11, 7.30pm
- Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight – Friday, January 1, 2027, 5.30pm
- Viennese Christmas Spectacular by Candlelight – Friday, January 1, 2027, 7.30pm
Live Performance Details – St John The Baptist City Parish Church
- Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and The Lark Ascending by Candlelight – Saturday November 7 at 7.30pm
Tickets are on sale now for the London Concertante concerts and you can buy them, here. Click here for the Buble candlelight show.
