Saffron Hall reopens for festive season following second national lockdown

Following the second national lockdown Saffron Hall is delighted to be opening its doors again for live concerts. From 4 December, the Hall will once again host regular concerts for live audiences, making it one of only a handful of venues across the country currently able to do so.

Musicians that regularly perform at Saffron Hall from the worlds of classical, jazz and folk music will come together to create a stunning programme of one-hour concerts to socially distanced audiences across December, helping to spread some much-needed festive cheer.

The first weekend will feature Juliet Kelly singing the hits of Nina Simone (4 Dec) followed by Resident Orchestra Britten Sinfonia conducted by Sir Mark Elder (6 Dec).

The second weekend kicks off the festivities in style with the London Philharmonic Choir singing Christmas carols, old and new (11 Dec). Three members of the Kanneh-Mason family including cellist Sheku and pianist Isata, come together to create a very special classical music concert (12 Dec). The Christmas theme continues with a unique performance from 10 members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s brass section (13 Dec), followed by Awake Arise, a folk collaboration from Lady Maisery, Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmithcelebrating the riches of our varied winter traditions and reflecting upon the hope and resilience in music and song that can bring joy to us all in the darkest season (13 Dec).

On the weekend before Christmas, Saffron Hall favourites The Sixteen present The Truth from Above, six centuries of choral masterpieces woven into a stunning celebration of music written for the voice (18 Dec). Britten Sinfonia return with a seasonal offering including Corelli’s ‘Christmas’ Concerto and Bach’s Magnificat (19 Dec). Lastly, London Community Gospel Choir bring a special Christmas celebration to Saffron Walden, and you won’t have heard festive music quite like this: tidings of deep comfort and pure, roof-raising joy (20 Dec).

To allow for social distancing and to create an intimate atmosphere, the auditorium seating bank has been retracted and replaced with tables and chairs. Other measures, in line with the government’s guidance, include reducing the capacity of the Hall from 740 to 150, contactless digital ticketing, mandatory face coverings (unless exempt), reduced duration of performances, additional cleaning, and staggered arrival times.

Angela Dixon, Chief Executive, Saffron Hall said, “We are delighted to be able to open our doors once again following the November national lockdown. We cannot wait to share our festive programme with our regular audiences and the wider community. Christmas is a time to celebrate together, and it is thanks to the flexibility of our amazing hall and Saffron Walden County High School that we are able to do this safely; I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Saffron Hall over the last 12 months, there is still a long road ahead of us, but you have helped us to stay open and plan for 2021. Thank you.”

Tickets for the first weekend in December are now on sale. Tickets for the rest of the December concerts go on sale to the general public on Friday 4 December.