We are very excited to be partnering with Norwich Cathedral and Gabrieli Roar for Mr Handel’s Christmas Story.
Bringing over 200 young people from across Norfolk and Suffolk together on Monday 7th December 2026, at Norwich Cathedral, we invite you to register to be part of a wonderful performance which will be accompanied by Gabrieli singers and orchestra.
The concert brings together movements from Messiah and other Handel works to tell the Christmas story, from the angel’s prophecy and the shepherds’ arrival to the Nativity and the journey of the Wise Men. Created by Gabrieli Artistic Director and Conductor, Paul McCreesh, it has been designed to be accessible for younger singers while still offering musical depth and challenge for more experienced choirs.
You will find a link below to the music. If your choir chooses to sing as part of the Main Choir, printed scores will be sent directly to your school. Those opting to sing as part of the Big Choir should print the music as A4 booklets. Gabrieli will also provide digital resources, including learning guide tracks. There’s no expectation for choirs to arrive note-perfect, only that students are familiar with the music and ready to take part enthusiastically.
On the day of the performance, participating choirs will join Gabrieli’s singers and orchestra for an afternoon rehearsal, followed by an evening concert open to the public.
You can get a sense of a previous Gabrieli Roar project by watching this short film from our previous project at Norwich Cathedral: https://youtu.be/MHgHaSs-0dw?si=KFsTftif4gp7OiVJ
Vocal Scores
FAQs
What is the date of the performance?
- Monday 7th December 2026
Where is the performance?
- Norwich Cathedral
What age of students are invited to participate?
- Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12, Year 13
How many students can I register from my educational setting?
- 30
What will I need to do to prepare for this performance?
- You will be given full resources, including tracks to rehearse with your students
Will there be additional support to learn the material?
- The Gabrieli team will visit Norfolk and Suffolk for workshops on the dates below. We are aiming for one school to host each rehearsal/workshop, and participating schools will be expected to attend one rehearsal
- Thursday 5th November – 1pm – 4pm
- Friday 6th November – 9am – 12pm
Is there financial support with transport?
- Unfortunately, we are unable to support with transport costs
Will families be able to watch the final performance?
- Yes, a code will be sent out in the autumn term for families to receive a discounted rate for 2 tickets per participating student. The tickets will cost £5 with the discounted rate and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
What is the itinerary for Monday 7th December 2026?
- 12.45pm: Main Chorus arrive to be seated
- 1.20pm: Main Chorus warm up
- 1.30pm-2.30pm: Rehearsal
- 2.15pm: Extra Chorus arrive
- 2.30pm-3pm: Break (30 mins)
- 3pm-4.30pm: Main Chorus & Extra Chorus rehearsal
- 4.30pm-6.30pm: Break/Norwich School can offer space (2 hours)
- 7pm-8.45pm: Concert
What will the repertoire be?
- You can find out more about the repertoire via the Vocal Scores available above.