Bristol Ensemble

Preludes Music
2025-12-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-05 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-02 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Preludes Music, the education arm of the Bristol Ensemble, continues its work in areas of Bristol that are experiencing high levels of economic disadvantage and aims to put music at the heart of every child’s education. By doing so we improve confidence, co-ordination, speech and language and benefit all other areas of their learning.
Preludes Music has been running successfully since 2009 in several schools areas of Bristol. It is the most extensive project of its type in the country and grew from discussions between Roger Huckle of the Bristol Ensemble, Professor Leslie Bunt of the University of the West of England and James Wetz a former Head Teacher.
Find out more at www.bristolensemble.com/preludes

Cosmos and Preludes Christmas concert
2025-12-04 13:00 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Two great local music initiatives for primary schools – St George’s ‘Cosmos Choir’ and Bristol Ensemble’s ‘Preludes Music’ – combine forces for their annual and fabulously festive lunchtime performance of high-spirited singing!
Admission is free with a retiring collection to support the continuation of these projects.

Cantores Chamber Choir: Celebrating Saint Nicolas
2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 | St Philip & St James Church, Leckhampton, 60 Grafton Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2DD
On St Nicolas Day, Cantores Chamber Choir directed by Simon Harper joins forces with the Bristol Ensemble, singers from the Beauregard Youth Choir, and soloists including tenor James Gilchrist, for a performance of Britten’s dramatic work St Nicolas and Haydn’s delightful Missa Sancti Nicolai.
Tickets £20 (u18s & students £5) available online.

Malmesbury Singers: A concert for St Nicolas Day
2025-12-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Malmesbury Abbey, Malmesbury, SN16 0AA
Edward Elgar A Christmas Greeting
Gerald Finzi In Terra Pax
Benjamin Britten Saint Nicolas
Thomas Mottershead music director
Richard Edgar-Wilson Nicolas
Choristers from Llandaff Cathedral The Pickled Boys
Bristol Ensemble
Tickets £20 for adults, under 18s £5, available from www.malmesburysingers.co.uk

Nailsworth: Music for Piano Trio
2025-12-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Christ Church, Newmarket Road, Nailsworth, GL6 0DQ, United Kingdom
Mendelssohn Piano Trio in D minor
Haydn Piano Trio in G
Paul Israel piano
Simon Kodurand violin
Harriet Wiltshire cello
Chamber music for piano trio, performed by principals from the Bristol Ensemble. Tea and cakes served at 4pm. Tickets £15, available on the door and online at the Bristol Ensemble box office.

The Snowman in Concert at the Spiegeltent
2025-12-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-12-14 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-12-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Christmas Spiegeltent, Waterfront Square, Off Canons Way, The Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5LL
Step into a world of wonder this winter as The Bristol Ensemble brings the beloved story of The Snowman to life in the Spiegeltent. Watch young imaginations take flight as this heartwarming tale is beautifully narrated, accompanied by live orchestral music and stunning aerial performance.
A magical experience for all ages, perfect for the festive season.
Ticket Info
General Admission – £18 – Unreserved Theatre Seating
Accessible Seating – £18 – Designated area for patron using a wheelchair or similar.
Essential companion Ticket – £9 – Available for those to accompany audience members with accessible seating tickets.
Under 1 year of age, no ticket is required, and child can sit on parents’ lap. While there will be rows of seating, there will also be a floor area at the front where little ones (and their adults!) can sit together and enjoy the show up close.
For seated shows there is a designated accessible area with spaces for wheelchairs. All spaces each have a seat next to them for a companion.

*Sold out* Christmas by Candlelight at Badminton House
2025-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Badminton House, North Hall, Badminton Estate, Badminton, South Gloucestershire, GL9 1DD
Bristol Ensemble presents an evening of festive Christmas classics, celebrating the joy and warmth of the season through music. Step into the magic of Christmas in The North Hall at the historic Badminton House becomes the setting for an unforgettable evening of seasonal favourites. Illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, the acclaimed Bristol Ensemble will fill the air with melodies that capture the spirit of this most wonderful time of year.
Nestled in the heart of the South Gloucestershire countryside, Badminton House provides an exquisite backdrop for this intimate concert, with its grand architecture and storied heritage. Let the music of Christmas — from cherished traditional carols to much-loved festive masterpieces — surround you in an atmosphere of beauty and celebration.
Whether you are a lifelong devotee of Christmas music or simply looking to immerse yourself in the festive spirit, this evening promises to be a heart-warming celebration of music and tradition.
Arrival: 6:30 PM
Performance begins: 7:00 PM
Interval: 30 minutes for refreshments
Event ends: 9:00 PM

Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum: Handel's Messiah
2025-12-13 19:00 - 22:00 | Tewkesbury Abbey, Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5RZ, United Kingdom
Handel’s Messiah with the Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum and Bristol Ensemble, conducted by Simon Bell with soloists Alexandra Kidgell, David Whitworth, Simon Wall and Felix Kemp. A wonderful start to the festive season.

Bridgerton Vol 2 candlelit concert at the Spiegeltent
2025-12-14 19:45 - 21:10 | Christmas Spiegeltent, Waterfront Square, Off Canons Way, The Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5LL
Dearest gentle reader… the Bridgerton candlelit concert returns to the Spiegeltent with a brand-new setlist of music to stir the heart and dazzle the senses.
After the success of last years sellout show, we invite you to join us for Volume 2 – a truly magical (and we do not throw the phrase around willy nilly), spellbinding evening, where timeless classics and modern hits come together for an unforgettable musical experience.
Featuring new arrangements inspired by the beloved Netflix series, we are super chuffed to welcome back the The Bristol Ensemble, bringing Bridgerton’s iconic music to life in a unique candlelit concert at the Spiegeltent.
“performed in the round, with all the candles, and all the mirrors…oh my! It was quite honestly our favourite show of 2024, there is nothing quite like it “- Steve Meadows – Founder + Director, Spiegeltent.
We advise you book early to avoid disappointment!

*Sold out* Christmas Spectacular
2025-12-17 19:30 - 22:00 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
City of Bristol Choir
Bristol Ensemble
Roger Huckle director
David Ogden conductor
The 100 voices of City of Bristol Choir and professional orchestra Bristol Ensemble join forces to bring Christmas cheer and festivities to the St George’s Bristol stage. A firm favourite with audience members, this concert combines exquisite festive music with jollity and fun, under the direction of David Ogden and Roger Huckle.
“Simply wonderful! How amazing to make so many people so happy! Totally brilliant!” Audience member
Tickets £17 / £22 / £28 / £32, available from St George’s Bristol box office online, by phone on 0117 929 4929 and over the counter at St George’s.

Handel's Messiah by candlelight
2025-12-18 19:00 - 22:00 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Choir of Royal Holloway
Bristol Ensemble
Rupert Gough conductor
Roger Huckle director
Bristol Ensemble and the Choir of Royal Holloway perform Handel’s ever-popular iconic work, Messiah, under the direction of Rupert Gough. Soloists are drawn from the young choir, singing from different places around the auditorium, bringing freshness and vitality to the work’s virtuosic and lyrical arias.

*Sold out* Christmas Spectacular
2025-12-19 19:30 - 22:00 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Exultate Singers
Bristol Ensemble
David Ogden conductor
Roger Huckle director
Bristol Ensemble and Exultate Singers perform their annual feast of beautiful Christmas music, combining light-hearted joyfulness with atmospheric and moving carols and orchestral music, under the direction of David Ogden and Roger Huckle.
“The best Christmas show ever. Great mix of music, fantastic conductor, audience participation and comedy. What more could you ask for – fantastic.” Audience member
“A pure delight – a joyful mix of carols, classical pieces, comedy and audience participation – Christmas has arrived!” Audience member

Handel's Messiah
2025-12-20 19:00 - 22:00 | Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TJ, United Kingdom
Fitzhardinge Consort
Bristol Ensemble
Elin Manahan Thomas soprano
Amy Blythe alto
Michael Gormley tenor
Stephen Hamnett bass
Join The Fitzhardinge Consort and Bristol Ensemble for a special performance of Handel’s Messiah in the stunning surroundings of Bristol Cathedral.
With celebrated soloists Elin Manahan Thomas, Amy Blythe, Michael Gormley, and Stephen Hamnett, this one-night concert offers a chance to experience one of the most iconic works in classical music, performed with clarity, power, and poise.
More than a festive concert, this evening follows a centuries-old tradition: using Messiah as a force for good. All proceeds will go to the NSPCC, supporting their vital work with vulnerable children.
Why Messiah?
First performed in 1742 to raise funds for those in need, Messiah became a fixture of charitable giving thanks to Handel’s partnership with the Foundling Hospital – Britain’s first children’s charity. This Bristol performance carries that legacy into the present day, in support of the NSPCC’s ongoing mission.

*Sold out* Festive Fiesta
2025-12-20 19:30 - 22:00 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
City of Bristol Choir
Bristol Ensemble
David Ogden conductor
Roger Huckle director
Join in with the 100 voices of City of Bristol Choir to sing some of your favourite carols, accompanied by professional orchestra the Bristol Ensemble. Festive orchestral music and beautiful carols sung by the choir are interspersed with uplifting traditional Christmas carols for audience members to sing, directed by David Ogden and Roger Huckle.
“Wonderful atmosphere with a great mix of classical music, carols and fun.” Audience member
Tickets £17 / £22 / £28 / £32, available from St George’s Bristol box office online, by phone on 0117 929 4929 and over the counter at St George’s.

Children's Christmas Carnival
2025-12-21 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-21 16:00 - 17:00 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Bristol Ensemble
Roger Huckle conductor
Kiera-Marie Somers presenter & vocals
Turlough Convery narrator
Bristol Ensemble bring their wholesome, interactive, and family-friendly Children’s Christmas Carnival to St George’s! Hosted by West End singer and actor Kiera Marie-Somers, the concert offers a fun introduction to all the instruments in the orchestra, showcasing their magic through a performance of Howard Blake’s ‘The Snowman’, narrated by renowned actor Turlough Convery (Sanditon, Slow Horses, Killing Eve), conducted by Roger Huckle and featuring dancers from Bristol Ballet Centre.
The event also features a festive mix of your favourite Christmas songs and Disney hits, guaranteed to get everyone singing, dancing, and filled with holiday cheer. It’s the ultimate Christmas celebration!

A Baroque Christmas by Candlelight
2025-12-21 19:30 - 21:30 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Immerse yourself in the glowing warmth of the most beloved music of the Baroque this Christmas for an evening of timeless seasonal masterpieces.
The evening will feature favourites such as Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, Pachelbel’s Canon, Vivaldi’s Winter, Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, and uplifting highlights from Handel’s Messiah, along with other festive masterpieces that capture the beauty and brilliance of the era.

Interwoven throughout the evening are seasonal readings from John Telfer, adding an extra layer of charm and reflection for a truly atmospheric celebration perfect for the festive period!

Tickets £13 / £19 / £26 / £30, available from St George’s Bristol box office online, by phone on 0117 929 4929 and over the counter at St George’s.

Christmas Special with Roderick Williams
2025-12-22 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-23 19:30 - 21:30 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Corelli Christmas Concerto
Vivaldi Winter from The Four Seasons
Caccini Ave Maria
Handel The Trumpet shall Sound (from Messiah)
Bach Grosser Herr, from Cantata BWV248
Christmas favourites:
White Christmas
Amazing Grace
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Mary’s Boy Child, Christmas Lullaby …and much more!
Join Britain’s leading baritone, Roderick Williams, for an unforgettable evening of festive music with the Bristol Ensemble. This glorious concert includes Christmas favourites alongside exquisite works by Corelli, Caccini, and Vivaldi, interwoven with seasonal readings to warm the heart!
The Bristol Ensemble brings their signature charm with a selection of their beloved Christmas medleys – offering a delightful mix of fun, flair, and virtuosity to complete this festive celebration.
Roderick Williams is renowned for his rich, velvet-toned baritone and is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most sought-after singers. With a career spanning decades, he has captivated audiences from the world’s great opera houses to the BBC Proms, and most recently performed at the King’s Coronation in 2023. We are thrilled to welcome him to our Christmas concerts this year.
Tickets £12 / £17 / £27 / £32 (plus St George’s booking fees) available online at St George’s box office, by phone on 0117 929 4929, and over the counter at St George’s.

Voices for Life: Stardust
2026-01-14 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-16 18:30 - 19:30 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Stardust is back! Join 200 children from Wiltshire on their musical adventure through space.
Through a series of school workshops and rehearsals, the children have discovered different feeling planets on a magical journey to galaxies new. Are you ready to hear their story?
Written by Jools Scott and Sue Curtis, Stardust is Voices for Life’s flagship commission. The children will be conducted by Kate Courage, accompanied by the Bristol Ensemble, and narrated by John Telfer (The Archers).
It’s suitable for any age!
Voices for Life envisions a world where every child has the chance to create music, enhancing wellbeing and building vibrant communities. Harnessing the power of music, creativity and performance, we enable children to dream big and discover their potential.
Proceeds from ticket sales go towards future Voices for Life projects, bringing more musical opportunities to children and inspiring them to be happy and confident through music.

Henleaze Concert Society: Tchaikovsky Reflections
2026-01-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
Tchaikovsky Excerpts from The Nutcracker Suite, arranged for strings
Tchaikovsky Andante cantabile from String Quartet No.1 Op.11
Arensky Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence
This richly expressive programme explores the emotional depth, lyricism, and legacy of one of Russia’s most beloved composers, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
We begin with highlights from The Nutcracker Suite, Tchaikovsky’s ballet filled with iconic melodies. These colourful excerpts capture the magic and charm that have made the score a seasonal favourite around the world.
Next is the serene and tender Andante cantabile from his String Quartet No. 1, a piece so moving it reportedly brought Leo Tolstoy to tears. With its simple, heartfelt theme, this work shows Tchaikovsky’s gift for emotional directness.
Russian composer Anton Arensky pays tribute to his mentor in the beautiful Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky, based on a melody from Tchaikovsky’s Legend. Each variation explores a different mood and texture, revealing both Arensky’s creativity and the enduring power of Tchaikovsky’s music.
We conclude with the passionate and expansive Souvenir de Florence, written during a stay in Italy but rooted in Russian intensity. Scored for string sextet, this vibrant work moves from fiery drama to lyrical beauty, combining Western elegance with Slavic soul.
Pre-concert talk with Steve Clarke begins at 6.45pm. Doors open at 6.15pm for the talk and at 7.15pm for the concert only. If coming to the concert only, we should be grateful if you would try to avoid arriving during the talk.
Individual concert prices
Tickets for Henleaze Concert Society members £17.50
Tickets for non members £21
Under 25 year olds £5
The ticket price includes the pre concert talk, a programme and interval drink.
How to book
Book tickets online at Bristol Ensemble’s online box office.
You can also book by sending a cheque payable to Henleaze Concert Society, covering note and SAE to 2 Saville Mews, Kingsdown Parade, Bristol BS6 5UL
Tickets are available on the door from 6.15pm.
Season Tickets and Annual Society Membership
Season tickets are only £100 including Society Membership and admission to all six concerts from September to July. Alternatively, becoming a member of Henleaze Concert Society for £15 entitles you to book tickets for individual concerts at the members’ discounted rate. Season tickets and membership are available to buy by post by returning the Ticket Order Form with your payment and a stamped addressed envelope.

Nailsworth: Tchaikovsky
2026-01-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Christ Church, Newmarket Road, Nailsworth, GL6 0DQ, United Kingdom
Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence
Bristol Ensemble’s professional musicians perform Tchaikovsky’s dramatic and lyrical Souvenir de Florence, vivid chamber music for string sextet bursting with energy and warmth. Tea and cakes served at 4pm. Tickets £15, available on the door and online at the Bristol Ensemble box office.

Voices for Life: Stardust
2026-01-28 18:30 - 19:30 | Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT, United Kingdom
Buckle up for a musical space adventure you’ll never forget!
Six young astronauts are all set for their interstellar voyage to the wondrous Planet Zarg. But when the unthinkable happens, these adventurers must fend for themselves. Join them as they venture across ‘feeling’ planets filled with ominous ogres, terrifying trolls, and clickety-clackety crabs. Will they find their way back to their friends before it’s too late?
Over 200 local primary school children will sing their way to unknown galaxies in Jools Scott and Sue Curtis’ beloved musical journey Stardust, back by popular demand after 9 successful runs.
They’ll be joined by esteemed musical director Katrine Reimers, professional musicians from the Bristol Ensemble, and the dulcet tones of narrator John Telfer (BBC’s The Archers).
It’s suitable for any age!
Voices for Life envisions a world where every child has the chance to make music, feel good, and be part of vibrant communities. The concert marks the finale of months of school workshops designed to build the children’s confidence and help them discover their potential through music and performance.

Proceeds from ticket sales go towards future Voices for Life projects, bringing more musical opportunities to children and inspiring them to be happy and confident through music.

Vivaldi's Trumpets
2026-01-29 19:30 - 22:00 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Ditcheat, BA4 6QX, United Kingdom
The Bristol Ensemble returns to Ditcheat with a programme full of energy and colour, featuring Vivaldi’s much-loved Concerto for Two Trumpets and Geminiani’s La Folia.
Vivaldi’s concerto shows off the bright, clear sound of the trumpet in music that’s lively and full of character, while Geminiani’s La Folia takes a simple tune and transforms it into a set of dramatic and playful variations.
This concert brings together the brilliant sound of trumpets with the rich warmth of the strings, performed by musicians from the Bristol Ensemble in an evening that celebrates the beauty and imagination of Baroque music.
Proudly presented by Ditcheat PCC and Breathe Music.

Vivaldi's Trumpets
2026-01-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Norton-sub-Hamdon Village Hall, New Road, Norton-sub-Hamdon, TA14 6SF
The Bristol Ensemble returns to Norton village hall with a programme full of energy and colour, featuring Vivaldi’s much-loved Concerto for Two Trumpets and Geminiani’s La Folia.
Vivaldi’s concerto shows off the bright, clear sound of the trumpet in music that’s lively and full of character, while Geminiani’s La Folia takes a simple tune and transforms it into a set of dramatic and playful variations.
This concert brings together the brilliant sound of trumpets with the rich warmth of the strings, performed by musicians from the Bristol Ensemble in an evening that celebrates the beauty and imagination of Baroque music.
