Derry Christmas celebration of music with Allegri and Orchestra NorthWest

Finishing off another year in style, renowned local arts organisation Allegri is bringing Christmas cheer to local audiences with two wonderful festive productions in both Derry and Strabane. 

On Sunday, 4th December, Allegri Junior and Youth Choirs will present a world premiere of ‘Shirah of Bethlehem: A Christmas Cantata’.

With a matinée performance at 3.00pm and an early evening performance at 6.00pm, this original piece of musical theatre, adapted specially for Allegri, is at once toe-tapping and spellbinding, poses the question, “What if the one who led the shepherds to the manger was a girl?” 

First performed as ‘Abby’s Song’, an off-Broadway show in New York, and now reimagined in black box musical theatre style, the musical has an exuberant score by Motown hit-maker Elliott Willensky with lyrics and narrative written by bestselling author Mary Pat Kelly. The project’s Musical Director is Maurice Kelly with choreography by Venessa Chapman.

Shirah’s story celebrates childhood, hope, music and the good news of Christmas to young audiences everywhere.

Then on the weekend of 17th and 18th December Allegri will present a beautiful programme of festive music which includes Howard Blake’s timeless orchestral work ‘The Snowman’ as well as popular pieces such as Troïka, Gaudete and some original takes on a few festive favourites you will know and love. 

On Saturday, 17th December, Allegri Ladies Choir will join Orchestra NorthWest for ‘The Snowman and other Christmas Classics’ in the Guildhall, Derry and on Sunday 18th December Orchestra NorthWest make their way to Strabane, following the success of their sold-out September concert, to share the magic of Christmas in the Alley Theatre.

Central to the performances will be the timeless Christmas favourite, The Snowman. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Howard Blake’s work which was originally produced for Channel 4. Capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood, it is based on the storybook by Raymond Briggs who sadly died this summer. 

Artistic Director of Allegri and Orchestra NorthWest Maurice Kelly comments: “The performances of this much-loved Christmas classic are significant for Allegri and Orchestra NorthWest, for when we last performed it in December 2019, little did we know that the mystery virus which at that time was gripping the Hubei province in China would very quickly become a global pandemic.

"It would be two years and four months (854 days!) before we could once again return to live public performance. So, this feels very much like the completion of that circle. 

"Everyone involved in the performances is excited beyond words to share the magic of this enchanting tale of the boy and the snowman who comes to life with audiences in the North West.” 

Allegri’s programme is part funded by Tickets for all concerts are £12 for adults (£8 concessionary price).

Shirah of Bethlehem tickets can be purchased online from the Playhouse Theatre and The Snowman tickets via Eventbrite and the Alley Theatre.

Come share in the excitement of the festive season and experience a sprinkle of Christmas musical magic!