The London Concertante is bringing its candlelit Christmas at the Movies concert to Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff on December 11, celebrating some of the world's most beloved Christmas films.
From the mischievous charm of Home Alone and Elf to the heartwarming melodies of Love Actually, It's a Wonderful Life, and The Polar Express, the concert promises to transport audiences straight into the heart of the festive season.
Five candlelit concerts across Cardiff
The Christmas concert is one of five candlelit concerts coming to Cardiff, offering audiences the chance to experience five distinct programmes across the season in two of Wales' most historic places. On October 2, the season opens with A Night at the Opera by Candlelight at Llandaff Cathedral, celebrating some of opera's most iconic arias, duets, and overtures. Featuring four acclaimed soloists and music by composers including Mozart, Puccini, and Rossini, the concert offers audiences a journey through operatic storytelling.
Following this, London Concertante returns to St John the Baptist City Parish Church on Saturday, November 7 with The Four Seasons and The Lark Ascending by Candlelight. Featuring Vivaldi's much-loved Four Seasons alongside Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, this concert brings together virtuosic solo writing and lyrical orchestral textures, celebrating nature, renewal, and the expressive power of the violin.
Bublé tribute and Viennese spectacular
On December 1 there will be two candlelight concerts featuring a spectacular live big band and the UK's number one Michael Bublé tribute act. The season closes on Friday, January 1, with two concerts at Llandaff Cathedral, firstly with Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight. This programme brings together some of the best-loved music ever written for piano, with Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata at its heart, one of the most famous and haunting works in the piano repertoire. Then comes the Viennese Christmas Spectacular, a cumulative celebration of the festive season, bringing Vienna to Llandaff with beloved waltzes, orchestral favourites, and operetta classicals.
London Concertante is renowned for performances that combine expressive depth with accessibility, and their candlelit concerts have become a firm favourite with audiences across the UK. With over 300 performances each year, the ensemble is celebrated for bringing classical, contemporary, and crossover repertoire to life in atmospheric venues, creating immersive experiences for both seasoned concertgoers and first-time audiences.
Relaxed seating and ticket details
Each Cardiff concert is designed as a relaxed and welcoming experience. Seating is unreserved within each ticket band, encouraging audiences to arrive early and enjoy the cathedral as it fills with candlelight throughout the evening.
Artistic director of London Concertante Chris Grist said: "We're delighted to be returning to Cardiff to present five different programmes, exploring the range of what London Concertante does best. These concerts invite audiences to experience familiar repertoire in new and unexpected ways, all within a beautiful candlelit setting."
Tickets are on sale now for the London Concertante concerts, with performances at Llandaff Cathedral on October 2 at 7.30pm, December 11 at 7.30pm, and January 1, 2027 at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, plus St John the Baptist City Parish Church on November 7 at 7.30pm.
