The Glasshouse

From 26 November to 1 January, Royal Northern Sinfonia, the home orchestra of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, will present a wonderfully warming programme of concerts, both at The Glasshouse and out in the community.

Classical music has a special way of elevating the festive season, offering a sense of connection, celebration and comfort that feels especially meaningful at this time of year.

Highlights of the programme include TV’s Matt Baker, who’s back to host Christmas at The Glasshouse due to popular demand. On Wednesday 17 December, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia, Voices of the River’s Edge will fill the hall with festive cheer, led by conductor Ellie Slorach. There’ll be seasonal favourites, from Hark! The Herald Angels Sing to Sleigh Ride, all brought to life with Matt’s trademark warmth and wit.

Another show full of shinning stars is Christmas Gaiety – A Queer Holiday Extravaganza. On Wednesday 10 December, Royal Northern Sinfonia unites with conductor Edwin Outwater and drag icons Peaches Christ and Baga Chipz for the ultimate party. They’re joined by baritone of dreams, Le Gateau Chocolat, West End icon Kerry Ellis, opera singer Rebecca Bottone, local legend and Drag Idol winner, Gladys Duffy and Drag Race UK winner Ginger Johnson to perform festive favourites.

Brass and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia present their Winter Tour, with performances in Newcastle on Wednesday 26 November, Hexham on Friday 28 November, and Heaton on Saturday 29 November. Brass and percussion players of Royal Northern Sinfonia will join forces with the Chorus and their director, Tim Burke, for a musical sleigh ride through five centuries of festive music. The programme will journey from Gaudete to The Christmas Song, weaving through carols and classical favourites like Troika and The Nutcracker.

Between 27 November and 4 December, it’s the orchestra’s turn to take centre stage. In Alnwick, Musselburgh, Sunderland, Berwick, Newcastle and Carlisle, Royal Northern Sinfonia will bring the Baroque world to life with graceful violin lines from Leclair and Corelli, rich festive textures in Torelli and Locatelli’s Christmas Concertos, and the playful precision of Telemann and Handel. Purcell’s music from The Fairy Queen runs through the programme like a thread, while Rameau sweeps from courtly dances to full-blown storms.

At Kendal, Cullercoats, Redcar, Bishop Auckland, Hartlepool and Hexham, audiences will soak up beauty and a little Baroque swagger. These performances will travel from Dowland’s Lachrimae Antiquae to Lully’s March for the Turkish Ceremony, with stirring moments from Handel, vivid colour from Vivaldi, and the intimate textures of Marais.

Home Alone returns on 6 and 7 December with Royal Northern Sinfonia playing the music to this festive classic on the big screen. The Glasshouse choir for 18 – 35-year-olds, Voices of the River’s Edge, completes the wonder by singing the main theme Somewhere in My Memory. Heartwarming family fun.

On Sunday 14 December, Kristian Bezuidenhout joins Royal Northern Sinfonia and the Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia for a performance of Handel’s Messiah. From anger to elation, sorrow to joy, the piece is rich with dramatic and powerful melodies, brought to life by orchestra, chorus and vocal soloists. A beautiful way to celebrate the festive season.

On Friday 19 December, Royal Northern Sinfonia and conductor Stephen Bell take to the stage for a night of glitz and glamour. Christmas at the Musicals features special guests from the West End performing hits from beloved shows and seasonal classics. It’s sequins, showstoppers and sparkle with a full symphonic sound.

From Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 December, Royal Northern Sinfonia and conductor Ellie Slorach present The Snowman in Concert. Starting with We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, the screening of The Snowman features a live orchestral soundtrack and a young North East singer performing Walking in the Air. The relaxed performance on 22 December at 2pm includes a British Sign Language interpreter.

Royal Northern Sinfonia and conductor Timothy Redmond will bring Bond to Gateshead on Monday 30 December. At 007 in Concert, glamorous West End stars Louise Dearman and Oliver Tompsett will perform iconic anthems from six decades of Bond films, including Skyfall, Goldfinger and The World is Not Enough.

Audiences can welcome the New Year in style as Royal Northern Sinfonia delivers with its much-loved Viennese New Year’s Day concert, conducted by Naomi Woo. On Wednesday 1 January, enjoy an afternoon of joyful waltzes and lively polkas with soprano Rebecca Bottone. It’s a fantastic musical tradition to start 2025.

Royal Northern Sinfonia’s festive programme brings together a brilliant mix of experiences to suit different tastes and traditions. Audiences might come with friends, family or enjoy the concerts solo, with each event offering a chance to spend time surrounded by high-quality live music. With performances at The Glasshouse and in venues across the North, it’s a joyous way to enjoy the season.

On Thursday 18 December, The Glasshouse’s long-time friends Sinfonia of London and conductor John Wilson will bring their showstopping elegance from London to Gateshead with A Christmas Songbook. Featuring star vocalist Matt Ford and a programme of festive favourites, this is Christmas with a touch of Hollywood sparkle – lush orchestrations and timeless tunes.

Also on 18 December, another friend, saxophonist Jess Gillam, returns with her dynamic ensemble for a colourful Christmas concert. The show features brilliant arrangements, unexpected twists and a mix of classical and contemporary sounds, all delivered with Jess’s trademark flair.

James Thomas, Executive Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia and Classical, said,

“This festive season, Royal Northern Sinfonia invites audiences old and new to experience the magic of Christmas through live orchestral music.

“From heartwarming classics at Christmas at the Glasshouse with Matt Baker, to camp festive fun at A Christmas Gaiety – A Queer Holiday Extravaganza and cinematic favourites like Home Alone and The Snowman in Concert, our performances at The Glasshouse and across the North offer the perfect introduction for first-time concertgoers.

“There’s no better way to celebrate the season than by sharing in the joy, warmth, and wonder of these unforgettable musical moments.”

Tickets are on sale now via https://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/

/ENDS

For more information, please contact Orla Noble, Premier Comms: orla.noble@premiercomms.com

Beverley Knight: beverley.knight@theglasshouseicm.org 0191 443 4583

IMAGES

Winter Tour credit Tynesight Media
Christmas Gaiety – A Queer Holiday Extravaganza
007 in Concert credit Tynesight Media

LISTINGS

Brass and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia – Winter Tour – Wednesday 26 November 2025 | Newcastle Cathedral, St Nicholas Square, Newcastle upon Tyne

Brass and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia – Winter Tour – Friday 28 November 2025 | Hexham Abbey, Hexham

Brass and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia – Winter Tour – Saturday 29 November 2025 | St Gabriel’s Church, Heaton

Royal Northern Sinfonia – Baroque Christmas Tour – Thursday 27 November to Thursday 4th December 2025 | Alnwick, Musselburgh, Sunderland, Berwick, Newcastle, Carlisle

Home Alone in Concert – Saturday 6 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

Home Alone in Concert – Sunday 7 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

A Christmas Gaiety – A Queer Holiday Extravaganza – Wednesday 10 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

Handel’s Messiah – Sunday 14 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

Christmas at The Glasshouse – Wednesday 17 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

Jess Gillam Ensemble – Thursday 18 December 2025 | Sage Two, The Glasshouse

Sinfonia of London – A Christmas Songbook – Thursday 18 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

Christmas at the Musicals – Friday 19 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

The Snowman in Concert – Monday 22 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

The Snowman in Concert – Tuesday 23 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

The Snowman in Concert – Wednesday 24 December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

007 in Concert – Tuesday 30th December 2025 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

Viennese New Year’s Day Concert – Wednesday 1st January 2026 | Sage One, The Glasshouse

About Royal Northern Sinfonia

Internationally renowned, calling Gateshead home.

37 musicians at the top of their game. Electrifying music, old and new. All the talent, determination and creativity of the North East on a worldwide stage. From their home at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Royal Northern Sinfonia share the joy and wonder of orchestral music with thousands of people across the North of England – and beyond – every year.

From symphonies to string quartets, film soundtracks to choral masses, and original performances with awesome artists from Sheku Kanneh-Mason to Self Esteem, the orchestra’s members have got one of the most varied jobs there is. They’re always looking for fresh new sounds from up-and-coming composers, inviting local communities to share a stage, and doing everything they can to inspire and prepare the musicians of tomorrow to one day take their place.

They’re also working hard to smash the barriers that can stop brilliant people getting into classical music. They’ve teamed up with national partners to support women conductors to develop their careers, to help global majority musicians get vital experience in the orchestra world, and to celebrate disabled and non-disabled musicians breaking new ground together in RNS Moves. And they bring new musical opportunities to the region, headlining the first-ever BBC Proms weekend outside London.

Because they whole-heartedly believe orchestral music is for anyone – big cities and tiny villages, brand-new babies and life-long listeners, die-hard fans and curious minds – they travel far and wide to make sure there’s top-notch classical music on offer for anyone ready to say, “I’ll give that a go”. You’ll find them in churches, castles, and community venues across the North, as well as spearheading concert seasons in Carlisle, Kendal, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland.

With 65 years of success to build on, they’ve signed a dynamic young artistic leadership – Music Director Dinis Sousa, Artistic Partner Maria Włoszczowska, Principal Guest Conductor Nil Venditti and Associate Conductor Ellie Slorach – to lead the way into a bold, bright future. They’re joined by Conductor Laureate Thomas Zehetmair.

Wherever the orchestra play and whoever they share a stage with, every performance is a chance to see, hear and feel the music.

About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a home for live music lovers.

It’s a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or string quartets. Where new musicians are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum-selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine-shaking toddlers practise in the same spaces as its acclaimed orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Because as an international centre for music they’re focused on creating and celebrating outstanding music – whether that’s unearthing or growing talent from the region or bringing the world’s best artists to their stages. And as a charity they’re focused on making sure all of that is available to anyone – no matter where you’re from, how old you are, how much money you have, or what challenges you face.

Which is why every year more than 2 million people are able to join for top-notch gigs, concerts, and classes – in their venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across the North East, and through livestreamed performances and digital lessons.

Whether you’re making it up or taking it in, you’ll find music lives and grows there.

More about The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

• Since opening in 2004, The Glasshouse has hosted over 10,000 performances, welcoming nearly 5 million audience members. It would take more than 27 years to see every show if you attended one every day.
• Over two decades, the charity has delivered around 230,000 music lessons, reaching young people and adults 2.7 million times across its education programmes.
• As its resident orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia has toured globally, performing across four continents and livestreaming to audiences across five.
• The Glasshouse has supported the careers of thousands of artists like Ward Thomas who have worked their way from free stages to headline shows in its main hall, achieving national and global recognition.
• Since 2004, The Glasshouse has welcomed over 400,000 delegates for conferences and events, hosting organisations such as Greggs, NHS, and British Engines.
• Over the past two decades, The Glasshouse has generated £500 million in economic impact for the North East.
• The iconic building, designed by Foster + Partners, has 630 panes of glass and stands 40 metres tall. In its opening year, it was exhibited at the Venice Biennale and won the RIBA Inclusive Design Award in 2005.
• Celebrating 20 years – In December 2024, The Glasshouse marked its 20th birthday. Over the next year, the charity will reflect on two decades of achievements and look ahead to its third decade, with major initiatives like the Music Academy and Music Pass for newborns, making music accessible to all.