Due to London moving into tier 3 at 00.01 on Wednesday 16 December, the Nicola Benedetti & Friends series of Christmas Baroque concerts at Battersea Arts Centre, 20 – 23 December, has been postponed to spring 2021.
New dates and repertoire will be announced in due course. Ticket holders will have the chance to transfer their tickets to the new concert dates or, alternatively, a full refund if preferred.
Grammy award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti had planned to give a series of intimate, COVID-secure concerts of festive baroque music in the beautiful setting of Battersea Arts Centre’s Grand Hall from 20 – 23 December, in collaboration with Askonas Holt. Nicola was due to be joined by a leading group of eight freelance baroque musicians, forming the Benedetti Baroque Orchestra for the very first time.
Nicola Benedetti commented, ‘We are all totally devastated that we have had to cancel these concerts and it is beyond frustrating. Venues up and down the country have worked tirelessly to ensure that they are COVID-secure, following all government advice. Battersea Arts Centre has gone above and beyond with their safety procedures to ensure a COVID-secure environment. Rules require discipline from people to carry out those instructions and there is no more disciplined environment than a concert hall or theatre. They are there to experience music and art and would never jeopardise anybody’s health in that sort of controlled environment. The risk to people’s health is far, far greater in so many other circumstances that are allowed to continue in tier 3. On behalf of the entire performing arts community, I would like to express my heartbreak at events now not being able to go ahead. These concerts were planned to provide much needed respite in the lead-up to Christmas and I am so sorry we are now unable to share these magical moments with you but look forward to welcoming everyone in Spring 2021.’
Nicola Benedetti and Askonas Holt are very grateful to both Fortnum & Mason and Maker & Son for their continued support.
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Originally published on December 8
Watch the video trailer here
Grammy award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti is thrilled to announce a series of intimate, COVID-secure concerts of festive baroque music in the beautiful setting of Battersea Arts Centre’s Grand Hall from 20 – 23 December, in collaboration with Askonas Holt.
Nicola will be joined by a leading group of eight freelance baroque musicians, forming the Benedetti Baroque Orchestra for the very first time. Together they will perform a programme including Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, Winter from Vivaldi’s popular Four Seasons and a selection of other Vivaldi Concerti.
These concerts will last approximately one hour. The atmosphere will be conversational, spontaneous, festive and personal. The concerts will prove to be a unique and much needed respite in the lead-up to Christmas, as audiences are welcomed back into the socially distanced and COVID-secure concert hall.
Nicola Benedetti commented, ‘I am so excited to perform with this wonderful group of freelance musicians in the hauntingly beautiful setting of Battersea Arts Centre. Emotionally and psychologically musicians crave making music together and performing for people, live. Furthermore, this particular style of music lives and breathes on that communication. To play live music is something none of us will ever take for granted and
I cannot wait to come together this Christmas and share these magical moments with live audiences.’
Nicola Benedetti & Askonas Holt are very grateful to Fortnum & Mason for providing festive treats to accompany the intimate performances and to Maker & Son for its support in making these events possible.
Concert Times & Dates
- Sunday 20 December at 15:00, 18:00 & 20:30
- Monday 21 December at 15:00, 18:00 & 20:30
- Tuesday 22 December at 18:00 & 20:30
- Wednesday 23 December at 15:00 & 18:00
Tickets
- Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday 8 December and are available online at bac.org.uk
- Tickets priced at £40 & £50 which includes a glass of red wine/prosecco/sparkling water & mince pies all provided by Fortnum & Mason
- 15% discount for unemployed, those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, disabled + accompanying carer and children aged 16 & under. For further information on COVID-secure measures please visit bac.org.uk
2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone and the Benedetti Baroque Orchestra will be collecting for two charities close to their hearts at the end of each concert: Shelter and Help Musicians.