The Northern Chamber Orchestra is heading for a Cheshire stately home to bring festive cheer to music lovers this Christmas.

The NCO will stage its Ding Dong Merrily: Christmas Classics concert at Tatton Park on Thursday, December 10 at 8pm.

The concert features all-time classical favourites, chosen as the perfect start to the ‘season to be jolly’, along with carols and choral works, some sung by St Nicholas Catholic High School Choir from Hartford in Northwich, conducted by the school’s director of music, Helen McKenna.

Highlights include: Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons, one of Bach’s legendary Brandenburg Concertos (no 3), Holst’s The Dargason from his popular St Paul’s Suite and Leroy Anderson’s timeless classic, Sleigh Ride.

Directly before the concert starts, ticket holders get the chance to look around the spectacular Christmas Mansion from 7pm and enjoy a warming winter drink as part of the ticket price.

The Northern Chamber Orchestra logo
The Northern Chamber Orchestra logo

NCO’s Christmas Classics at Tatton concert is an annual event which takes place in the Tenants’ Hall in Tatton’s stunning neo-classical mansion.

The choir from St Nicholas Catholic High School will perform festive favourites including Ding Dong Merrily On High, Last Christmas and All I Want For Christmas.

This is the first time the choir has performed with the NCO and the concert will give the students a chance to work with a professional orchestra and perform for a big and appreciative audience in a special setting.

Kieran Kelly, headteacher at St Nicholas Catholic High School, said: “I am delighted the school is involved in such a wonderful opportunity, which will provide an exceptional experience for members of the choir. It will surely be an occasion that they will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives.”

Touch of literary drama

Actor, writer and director Kate Millward will be the compere for the event, bringing a touch of literary drama to the event with a few readings, carefully selected to reflect the festive theme.

Tatton’s own favourite carols will be celebrated throughout the Mansion house, with each stateroom featuring a spectacular, decorative interpretation of a traditional Christmas carol, chosen by Tatton’s teams at each attraction.

Pre-concert seasonal suppers are also available from 5pm in Tatton’s Stables restaurant and the Gardener’s Cottage and concert-goers are advised to reserve a table on 01565 755001.

Tickets are priced £20, £12 for 18s and under. Call 0161 247 2220 or 01625 374400. They will not available on the door.