Events
Gaspard's Christmas & The Snowman (1.30pm)
Whilst searching for food in the snow-covered streets, Gaspard makes an astonishing discovery and, with the help of his friends, might just save Christmas. A heart-warming festive adventure for Britain’s handsomest fox. Narrated by Zeb Soanes, with music by Jonathan Dove and James Mayhew’s beautiful projected illustrations from the book. An unforgettable Christmas experience for all the family.
HALLÉ ORCHESTRA
Gaspard's Christmas & The Snowman (11am)
Whilst searching for food in the snow-covered streets, Gaspard makes an astonishing discovery and, with the help of his friends, might just save Christmas. A heart-warming festive adventure for Britain’s handsomest fox. Narrated by Zeb Soanes, with music by Jonathan Dove and James Mayhew’s beautiful projected illustrations from the book. An unforgettable Christmas experience for all the family.
HALLÉ ORCHESTRA
Gaspard's Christmas & The Snowman
Whilst searching for food in the snow-covered streets, Gaspard makes an astonishing discovery and, with the help of his friends, might just save Christmas. A heart-warming festive adventure for Britain’s handsomest fox. Narrated by Zeb Soanes, with music by Jonathan Dove and James Mayhew’s beautiful projected illustrations from the book. An unforgettable Christmas experience for all the family.
HALLÉ ORCHESTRA
Gaspard's Foxtrot with Peter and the Wolf (4pm)
Gaspard boards the Number 38 bus and sets off on a musical adventure through the sights, sounds and smells on London. The latest tale in the delightful Gaspard the Fox series is narrated by the book’s author, Zeb Soanes.
BRISTOL ENSEMBLE
Gaspard's Foxtrot with Peter and the Wolf (2pm)
Gaspard boards the Number 38 bus and sets off on a musical adventure through the sights, sounds and smells on London. The latest tale in the delightful Gaspard the Fox series is narrated by the book’s author, Zeb Soanes.
BRISTOL ENSEMBLE
Christmas by Candlelight at St Martin-in-the-Fields
In the magical candlelit setting of St Martin-in-the-Fields, hear captivating festive music and readings by Classic FM’s Zeb Soanes, to put everyone in the Christmas spirit and help you prepare for the season’s celebrations.
Money for Old Prose
Money for Old Prose is an evening of poetry, music and prose brought to you by many well known actors, singers and musicians including: Justin Edwards, Deborah Findlay, Bill Patterson, Malcolm Sinclair, Zeb Soanes, Maggie Steed and Jane Wymark. In aid of Myeloma UK.
The Pakefield Singers: A Christmas Celebration
The Pakefield Singers present A Christmas Celebration, fundraising for Lowestoft’s Britten as a Boy statue, presented by the choir’s patron, Zeb Soanes. Britten’s Ceremony of Carols will form the centrepiece, along with works by other local composers, including Alexander Campkin. Zeb will also read his book Gaspard’s Christmas, illustrated live by James Mayhew, who will auction his artwork to support the fundraising.
Mediaeval Carols with Opus Anglicanum
Opus Anglicanum return to Wells with their most popular sell-out Christmas concert. A programme of atmospheric medieval music: Gregorian chant and polyphony with readings by Zeb Soanes. Experience a candlelit journey into the spiritual heart of a medieval Christmas.
Betjeman's Banana Blush
A toe-tapping celebration of Betjeman’s verse, set to music by BAFTA winning composer Jim Parker (House of Cards, Foyle’s War), performed by Zeb Soanes (Classic FM) and the Chris Warner Ensemble.
Hallé Orchestra: As Seen on TV!
Some of the most exciting, dramatic and downright entertaining programmes from over fifty years of broadcasting are brought together in this special event, presented by Zeb Soanes. One thing unites them all – unforgettable theme music. Tonight’s concert brings you that music from The Bridgewater Hall stage in a live performance with a healthy dose of nostalgia.
HALLÉ ORCHESTRA
Fred and the Fantastic Tub-Tub + Babar the Little Elephant
At the Premiere performance, Zeb narrates his children’s story, with an environmental message, set to a bold cinematic score by James Marangone. Performed by the Orpheus Sinfonia. and paired with the enchanting tale of The Story of Babar the Little Elephant by Poulenc.
Part of the London Literature Festival
ORPHEUS SINFONIA
Benjamin Britten Lowestoft Statue Fundraising Gala
Celebrating 110 years since Britten's birth, this dazzling gala programme features vocal and instrumental music by Britten and the composers he revered, including readings and memories from eminent musicians who performed in his premieres, including Dame Janet Baker. The evening will be hosted by Sir Thomas Allen and Zeb Soanes, who has led the campaign to erect a statue of Britten as a Boy in his hometown of Lowestoft.
Gaspard the Fox Book Signing
Meet Zeb and have books signed at the fancy dress dog show that inspired Gaspard Best in Show, the second book in the adventures of Gaspard the Fox. Enter your own dog, or just peruse the many colourful stalls of local crafts and bakes. A perfect opportunity to pick up signed books as Christmas presents. Gaspard Christmas cards and soft toys will also be available.
Mozart's Idomeneo (highlights in concert)
In this concert performance, Brunswick Vocal Arts presents a cast of exceptional young singers in all of the major highlights from Mozart's thrilling and daring masterpiece, conducted by Gary Matthewman. Sung in Italian, with a linking narration read in English by Zeb Soanes.
BRUNSWICK VOCAL ARTS
Summer at Snape: A Wedding Bouquet
Zeb Soanes narrates Lord Berner’s masterpiece A Wedding Bouquet, with its catchy tango and waltz melodies. Alongside this are Elgar’s timeless Enigma Variations, with the profoundly beautiful and universally recognised Nimrod at its heart, rounded off by the world premiere of the orchestral version of Dickinson’s delightful Unicorns Suite.
BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA
My Beloved Man: The Letters of Britten and Pears
Behold the life and love of Britten and Pears in this performance featuring readings of their letters to each other, paired with choral music from the LGBT+ chamber ensemble The Fourth Choir. Readings by Zeb Soanes (Classic FM) and Petroc Trelawny (BBC).
THE FOURTH CHOIR
Seize The Day: A Celebration of Adrian Sutton
Be swept away by works from the composer known for his epic National Theatre scores at a concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and special guests, presented by Zeb Soanes.
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Gaspard's Foxtrot
Gaspard boards the Number 38 bus and sets off on a musical adventure through the sights, sounds and smells on London. The latest tale in the delightful Gaspard the Fox series is narrated by the book’s author, Zeb Soanes.
ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The Garden with Opus Anglicanum
A beautiful programme by Opus Anglicanum that celebrates the solace and beauty of gardens, pairing English folksong with Renaissance polyphony and words about gardens by Francis Bacon, George Herbert and Andrew Marvell read by Zeb Soanes (presenter of Smooth Classics on Classic FM).
Presented in association with Grape Britannia, providing a glass of English wine on entry.
Roald Dahl's Little Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs
Let us take you into the woods to experience two classic tales, wickedly retold by Roald Dahl: Little Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs. The brilliant score by Paul Patterson perfectly complements Dahl’s irreverent sense of humour. Narrated by Zeb Soanes. Suitable for all ages.
ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN
Coronation Celebration!
Music fit for a King! On coronation weekend, join the Royal Choral Society for a choral music extravaganza as it celebrates the crowning of our new King and marks the choir’s own 150th anniversary. If you sing, then you’ll be able join in ‘beltissimo’ for Parry’s coronation anthem 'I Was Glad', together with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the mighty 9,999-pipe organ, all under the baton of the choir’s Music Director, Richard Cooke. Presented by Zeb Soanes.
ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY
London Gay Symphony Orchestra - Spring Concert
Zeb narrates Oscar Wilde’s heartrending tale of The Nightingale and the Rose, composed by Classic FM’s Composer in Residence, Debbie Wiseman.
LONDON GAY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Gaspard the Fox LIVE! (1.30pm)
Author, Zeb Soanes, and illustrator, James Mayhew return to the stage together to perform the first two stories in their bestselling Gaspard the Fox series, following the adventures of London’s handsomest fox and his friends: Peter, a rather superior cat who uses BIG words and Finty, an adventurous curly-haired dog.
Gaspard the Fox LIVE! (11am)
Author, Zeb Soanes, and illustrator, James Mayhew return to the stage together to perform the first two stories in their bestselling Gaspard the Fox series, following the adventures of London’s handsomest fox and his friends: Peter, a rather superior cat who uses BIG words and Finty, an adventurous curly-haired dog.
April Fools Day Gala with the Rainer Hersch Orchestra
A host of stars come together for this unique concert of April Fool’s jokes and hoaxes in support of Help Musicians UK. Led by ‘the world’s first classical music hooligan’ (The Sun) Rainer Hersch, Classic FM’s Zeb Soanes takes us on an orchestrated Shipping Forecast, and Evelyn Glennie murders The Swan.
Walton Façade - Sheffield Cathedral
"One good tune after another..."
Walton's musical entertainment under witty poems by Edith Sitwell is gleefully 'music hall' and brimming with dance rhythms. Joyously ridiculous, join us for forty minutes of fantastic fun on a Saturday afternoon!
THE BRIGANTES ORCHESTRA
Britten Sinfonia - The Golden Road to Samarkand
Hassan is an unlikely hero - an unattractive Baghdad sweet merchant who is comically rebuffed by his would-be love. Written 100 years ago, Delius’s richly evocative incidental music to James Elroy Flecker’s play is very rarely performed – experience it here in a compelling adaptation, told by Zeb Soanes.
Britten Sinfonia - The Golden Road to Samarkand
Hassan is an unlikely hero - an unattractive Baghdad sweet merchant who is comically rebuffed by his would-be love. Written 100 years ago, Delius’s richly evocative incidental music to James Elroy Flecker’s play is very rarely performed – experience it here in a compelling adaptation, told by Zeb Soanes.