Bristol Ensemble

If Opera - Carmen
2026-08-06 18:45 - 22:05 (Europe/London) | Church Farm, Wingfield, Church Farm, Wingfield, Wiltshire, BA14 9LE
Carmen Georges Bizet
Librettists Henri Meilhac, Ludovic Halévy
Conductor Oliver Gooch
Director James Hurley
Designer Laura Stanfield
Lighting Designer Joe Price
With the Bristol Ensemble
Sung in French with English surtitles
Church Farm, Wingfield
Bizet’s Carmen takes centre stage in this bold, immersive production. Reimagined for the turn of the twentieth century and infused with the playful spirit of French opéra-comique, this production reveals original, rarely heard music alongside the opera’s most thrilling and instantly recognisable arias, from the seductive Habanera to the electrifying Seguidilla and the blazing Toreador chorus.
From its scandalous 1875 premiere to its enduring status as one of the world’s most loved operas, Carmen burns with passion, jealousy and Spanish fire, offering a vivid portrait of Bizet’s fiercely independent anti-heroine. We are delighted to welcome back Alyona Abramova in this title role, following her acclaimed performance as Maddalena in Rigoletto (2025), bringing depth, magnetism and vocal brilliance to this unforgettable character.

If Opera - The Chocolate Soldier
2026-08-11 19:00 - 21:45 | Church Farm, Wingfield, Church Farm, Wingfield, Wiltshire, BA14 9LE
The Chocolate Soldier Oscar Strauss
Conductor James Ham
Director Jeff Clarke
Set Designer Elroy Ashmore
Lighting Designer Joe Price
Original Lighting Design Callum Macdonald
New English book and lyrics Jeff Clarke based on George Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man
New orchestral arrangement James Widden
With the Bristol Ensemble
Sung in English with surtitles
If Opera’s sparkling comedy this year is Viennese to its core – not Johann – but Oscar Straus, and his hilarious operetta The Chocolate Soldier.
Oscar Straus’s 1908 opéra bouffe is closely based on George Bernard Shaw’s classic anti-war play Arms and the Man. Shaw was very opposed to his play being turned into a piece of musical theatre, and refused to have anything to do with it. The Chocolate Soldier soon became a worldwide success, earning far more in royalties than Shaw’s celebrated play ever did.
Shaw’s work is now out of copyright, and Jeff Clarke has created a new version of the show, restoring much of Shaw’s witty dialogue, and re-instating his original characters.

The Music of the Beatles by candlelight
2026-09-04 19:30 - 21:20 | Riverfront Theatre, Kingsway, Newport, NP20 1HG
Experience the iconic melodies of The Beatles like never before in the Bristol Ensemble’s stunning orchestral concert.
Immerse yourself in some of the legendary group’s greatest hits performed by live orchestra, including Yesterday, All you need is love, Hard day’s night, I want to hold your hand… and many more.
An unforgettable evening of nostalgia, warmth, and musical brilliance!

Preludes Music
2025-12-01 08:00 - 17:00
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

Henleaze Concert Society: Peer Gynt
2026-10-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
Henrik Ibsen / Edvard Grieg Peer Gynt
John Telfer narrator
Composed as incidental music for Henrik Ibsen’s play, Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt was first performed in 1876 in Christiania (now Oslo). Grieg later drew two orchestral suites from the score, whose vivid and memorable movements have become some of the most recognisable in classical music.
In this concert, Ibsen’s tale is brought to life through narration by John Telfer alongside a performance of Grieg’s colourful score by the professional musicians of the Bristol Ensemble.
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 £18.50
Tickets for non members £22
Under 25 year olds £5
The ticket price includes the pre concert talk, a programme and interval drink.
How to book
Book tickets online
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 £105 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.

Gloria!
2026-10-14 19:30 - 21:30 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Bristol Ensemble
Fitzhardinge Consort
Jonathan James conductor
Harriet Wiltshire cello
Haydn Cello Concerto No.1 in C
Finzi Magnificat
Poulenc Gloria
Performed by Bristol Ensemble and Fitzhardinge Consort, Gloria! is an evening of uplifting orchestral and choral music, bringing together a programme of celebratory works from across the classical repertoire.
At the heart of the evening is Poulenc’s Gloria, one of the defining choral works of the twentieth century. Written in 1960, Poulenc’s setting of the ancient Latin text is rich in colour and moves effortlessly between joyful celebration and quiet reflection.
The programme will also include Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C, a remarkable work thought to have been lost for almost 200 years before its rediscovery in Prague in 1961. It is now recognised as one of the great concertos for the instrument, celebrated for its warmth, charm and lyricism. Bristol Ensemble’s Principal Cellist, Harriet Wiltshire, will take centre stage as soloist in this much-loved masterpiece.
Tickets from £13.08 to £34.88 (including booking fees), available from St George’s Bristol box office online, by phone on 0117 929 4929, and over the counter at St George’s.

Henleaze Concert Society: Baroque Treasures by Candlelight
2026-11-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050
Bach Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041
Vivaldi Flute Concerto in D major, RV 428
Telemann Don Quixote Suite
Bach Chaconne BWV 1004 arr. Helga Thoene
The glow of candlelight sets the scene for an evening of Baroque treasures. Be transported with the dazzling brilliance of J.S.Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, the charm and invention of Telemann’s Don Quixote Suite, the virtuosity of concertos for flute and violin by Bach and Vivaldi, and the beauty of Bach’s Chaconne in Helga Thoene’s arrangement.
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 £18.50
Tickets for non members £22
Under 25 year olds £5
The ticket price includes the pre concert talk, a programme and interval drink.
How to book
Book tickets online
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 £105 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.

Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here at the Spiegeltent
2026-12-06 19:30 - 21:40 | Christmas Spiegeltent, Waterfront Square, Off Canons Way, The Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5LL
By popular demand, The Bristol Ensemble returns to the Spiegeltent for a spectacular evening celebrating the music of Pink Floyd.
Performed by a 23-piece chamber orchestra, “Wish You Were Here” and “Dark Side of the Moon” will be brought vividly to life in the beautiful Spiegeltent, highlighting Floyd’s intricate musicality in a way that only a live orchestral performance can.

This show runs for approximately 80 minutes and has an interval.
There is a limited number of wheelchair-accessible spaces, which are prioritised for guests who require them. If you have access requirements but do not use a wheelchair, please email info@bristolspiegeltent.co.uk and they will be happy to help find the most suitable seating option for you. For carer tickets, please also get in touch.

Christmas Spectacular
2026-12-17 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.

Christmas Spectacular
2026-12-18 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
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.

Festive Fiesta
2026-12-19 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: The Nutcracker
2026-12-20 14:00 - 15:00 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Bristol Ensemble
Roger Huckle conductor
Kat Kleve presenter & vocals
Bristol Ensemble brings its wholesome and interactive Children’s Christmas Carnival to St George’s Bristol for a magical festive adventure the whole family will enjoy!
Hosted by West End performer Kat Kleve alongside the musicians of Bristol Ensemble, the concert begins with the enchanting story of The Nutcracker, brought to life through narration and the magic of a live orchestra. Journey into a world of toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy as Tchaikovsky’s much loved music unfolds.
The festive fun then continues with Christmas songs, Disney classics, lively instrument introductions and even an epic indoor snowball fight!
Perfect for children of all ages, this magical one hour concert brings together storytelling, live orchestral music and interactive fun in a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere. Guaranteed to get everyone singing and dancing along – it’s the ultimate Christmas celebration!

Christmas Brass
2026-12-21 19:30 - 21:30 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with an evening of glorious festive music for brass. From majestic fanfares and beloved Christmas carols to sparkling seasonal favourites, this uplifting programme showcases the rich sonorities and thrilling brilliance of the professional brass players of the Bristol Ensemble.
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.

A Baroque Christmas by Candlelight
2026-12-22 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 music by Corelli, Handel, Bach and Pachelbel, along with other festive masterpieces that capture the beauty and brilliance of the era.
Interwoven throughout the evening are seasonal readings, 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.

Henleaze Concert Society: The Lord of the Rings by Candlelight
2027-01-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
Experience the majestic and timeless music from the legendary Lord of the Rings films in a breathtaking concert that will transport you straight into the heart of Tolkien’s universe. Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack has captivated millions across the world – and now, we bring it to life in a spellbinding performance that includes music inspired by Elvish songs, ancient folklore, and the poetic spirit of Middle-earth.
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 £18.50
Tickets for non members £22
Under 25 year olds £5
The ticket price includes the pre concert talk, a programme and interval drink.
How to book
Book tickets online
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 £105 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.

Henleaze Concert Society: Beethoven 200
2027-03-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 ‘Emperor’ Op.73
Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor Op.67
Viv McLean piano
Marking the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death, Bristol Ensemble is joined by pianist Viv McLean for a thrilling programme of two of the composer’s towering masterpieces in intimate arrangements for chamber ensemble. The ‘Emperor’ Piano Concerto and the iconic Symphony No. 5 combine grandeur, drive and emotional intensity. This concert showcases Beethoven at his most powerful and inventive, in music that is loved by audiences worldwide.
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 £18.50
Tickets for non members £22
Under 25 year olds £5
The ticket price includes the pre concert talk, a programme and interval drink.
How to book
Book tickets online
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 £105 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.

Henleaze Concert Society: British Soundscapes
2027-05-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
Elgar Serenade for Strings
Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending
Karl Jenkins Palladio
John Williams Schindler’s List Suite
Britten Simple Symphony
Granville Bantock Scenes from the Scottish Highlands
Emil Huckle-Kleve violin
Vaughan Williams’ enduringly popular work The Lark Ascending is at the heart of this programme of music for strings. From Elgar’s shimmering Serenade for Strings and Britten’s charming Simple Symphony, to Karl Jenkins’ driving Palladio and Bantock’s suite Scenes from the Scottish Highlands, this whistle-stop musical tour of the British Isles reveals the lyricism, passion and colour of its landscapes, traditions and imagination.
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 £18.50
Tickets for non members £22
Under 25 year olds £5
The ticket price includes the pre concert talk, a programme and interval drink.
How to book
Book tickets online
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 £105 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.

Henleaze Concert Society: Summer Serenade
2027-06-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
The Henleaze Concert Society season closes with a delightful evening of music for a summer’s evening.
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 £18.50
Tickets for non members £22
Under 25 year olds £5
The ticket price includes the pre concert talk, a programme and interval drink.
How to book
Book tickets online
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 £105 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.
