Deck the Hall - A Talk by Andrew Gant

Discover the stories of our Favourite Christmas Carols with composer and conductor Andrew Gant. Includes a mince pie and mulled wine,

'Christmas carols are sung in church, therefore Christmas carols have always been sung in church.

Christmas carols have these words and this tune, therefore Christmas carols have always had these words and this tune.

Well, not really.

Our carol tradition, like us, is a rich and dynamic mixture. An ecosystem, not a still life.'

Written with effervescent charm and professional knowledge, composer and conductor Andrew Gant reveals the fascinating musical and social history behind our favourite Christmas carols.

From the Annunciation to Epiphany, the episodes of the Christmas story link the tales and anecdotes behind twenty-seven carols from a variety of traditions and places of origin: those that come from folk song; those we owe to Victorian moralists, and those that are, in fact, French. As Andrew says, 'Some carols were born to Christmas, some have achieved Christmas, and some have had Christmas thrust upon them.'

This wonderful, rich musical treat gives us a unique insight into our Yuletide traditions and customs. A delightful gift for anyone who loves to sing, or who just loves Christmas trivia, this is the ideal companion with which to while away those lazy days between Christmas and New Year.

Andrew Gant is a notable composer, conductor, and university lecturer. He has directed many leading choirs, including those of the Guards' Chapel, Selwyn College, Cambridge, and Her (now His) Majesty's Chapel Royal based at St James's Palace in London, where he led the choir at many state events. Andrew has published several books on musical topics. He lives in Oxford, where he is also involved in local politics.

This talk is in-person only and won't be streamed or recorded. Each ticket includes a mince pie and mulled wine or soft drink on arrival to get you in the festive mood.

Andrew will be signing copies of Deck the Hall: The Story of Our Favourite Christmas Stories in our Christmas Shop after the talk.