Christmas Music by Candlelight (Ex Cathedra) 2026

Ex Cathedra bring their popular, atmospheric Christmas Music by Candlelight series to the University of Birmingham on Friday 18 December, starting at 7.00pm. It's the choir's first time performing its Christmas programme at the University of Birmingham's stunning Great Hall, dubbed a 'cathedral of learning'. The whole thing runs for about two hours and ten minutes, with an interval in the middle.

Christmas Music by Candlelight is Ex Cathedra's long-running concert series, which they describe as a multi-sensory, immersive experience. The programme pairs seasonal favourites and new music with a sprinkling of favourite carols and readings, performed in the still, warm glow of candlelight. On the night, the Ex Cathedra will be conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore, with Rupert Jeffcoat on organ.

This is a bit of a milestone for the choir: it's Jeffrey Skidmore's final season at the helm, having founded Ex Cathedra - acclaimed as "one of Britain's very best choirs" - 58 years ago in his home city of Birmingham. The choir, which is an Associate Artist at Symphony Hall and Town Hall, will also perform Christmas Music by Candlelight this year at Coventry Cathedral, Hereford Cathedral, Lichfield Cathedral, St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, in the Jewellery Quarter, and at venues in Hagley, Leicester, Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton.

Tickets are £48.50, £39.50, £31 or £22, including per-ticket commission. There's a £15 ticket for 18-30s not in full-time education, and £8 for under 18s and students in full-time education. The Great Hall is at the University of Birmingham, B15 2TT.