Viennese Christmas Spectacular by Candlelight - Fri 18 Dec, Leeds Minster

This programme celebrates the elegance, charm and sheer joy of the Viennese tradition with a dazzling selection of orchestra favourites. At its heart is the music of Johann Strauss II, the “Waltz King”, whose works capture the wit, sparkle and irresistible energy of 19th-century Vienna. From the effervescent Die Fledermaus Overture to the playful Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, literally “chit-chat” or “gossip”, culminating in The Blue Danube, one of the most famous waltzes ever written: an unofficial anthem of Vienna and a piece that has enchanted audiences for generations, from grand ballrooms to the silver screen in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Alongside Strauss, the programme explores the many moods of the waltz, from Shostakovich’s jazz-infused Waltz No. 2 to the haunting beauty of Sibelius’s Valse triste. Tchaikovsky brings a touch of magic with the graceful Waltz from The Sleeping Beauty and the much-loved Nutcracker Suite, with some of the most recognisable music ever written — from the delicate sparkle of the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to the sweeping beauty of the “Waltz of the Flowers”. The programme also shines a light on the golden age of operetta, with soprano favourites including Lehár’s Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiß and Vilja, Suppé’s Hab’ ich nur deine Liebe from Boccaccio, and two sparkling moments from Die Fledermaus: Adele’s famous Laughing Song and the fiery Csárdás. Korngold’s Serenade from The Snowman adds a note of nostalgic warmth to this richly coloured programme. Full of elegance, nostalgia and exhilarating musical colour, this is a concert to lift the spirits and delight audiences of all ages.