Composer Errollyn Wallen CBE
06/12/24
A Christmas Miracle
A new opera by Errollyn Wallen
We’re delighted to be developing a new commission with Master of the King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen CBE. A Christmas Miracle is inspired by Benjamin Britten’s unrealised plans for A Christmas Sequence and using text from the Chester Mystery Plays, it will feature new music by Errollyn interspersed with much-loved Christmas carols.
Like Britten’s Noye’s Fludde – a visionary community opera – this production will bring together a magical mix of professional performers with young people and their communities.
In December 2024 we worked at Snape Maltings in partnership with Britten Pears Arts on workshops exploring initial material and characters in the piece, working with local young people, professional singers Jonathan Lemalu, Idunnu Münch, Ella Taylor and Andrew Watts and repetiteur Ben-San Lau. Directed by our very own Frederic Wake-Walker and conducted by John Andrews, the team has had a wonderful time delving into Errollyn’s unique sound world and the contemporary resonances of the Christmas story, looking at universal themes of taking refuge in a foreign land, navigating the forces of jealousy and power, and the wonder of birth.
After this, the piece will be further developed for premiere performances in 2026. Sign up to our newsletter or follow our socials to hear the latest news on this exciting production.
The commissioning of A Christmas Miracle is generously supported by Lachlan & Jo Burn and development workshops have been supported by Britten Pears Arts.
