Festive music resounds around the halls of Castle Howard

Daily until 23 December 2016

Carols and choirs have become synonymous with Christmas and live music will add to the festive feel at Castle Howard, where visitors enjoying the exquisitely decorated house can enjoy live performances from top musicians every day until the historic house closes its doors to the public on 23 December.

Among the performers is international broadcast pianist, Emmanuel Vass, who will entertain visitors with a collection of seasonal and popular music each weekend, with further musical treasures to be found in the house courtesy of some of North Yorkshire’s finest choirs.  Each weekday, there will be live music from a different band, string quartet, singer, soloist or duo to continue the festivities right up until Christmas.

“Visiting Castle Howard at Christmas is an experience not to be missed – the gingerbread house and decorations this year look absolutely stunning and complement the architecture and furnishings in each room to create a wonderfully immersive festive event, and having live music every day really is the icing on our Christmas cake,” comments marketing manager, Rachel Underwood.  “Many of our visitors pause their visit around the house to enjoy listening to the performers.”

An extended performance by Emmanuel Vass and the Cantar Choir will take place on Sunday 18 December, when Castle Howard is extending its Christmas opening into the evening with last admissions to the house at 7.00pm, and all of the stalls in its Christmas marquee and Courtyard shops, café and gift outlets open until 8.00pm.

Castle Howard is open daily from 10.00am until 4.00pm (5.00pm at the weekend) until Friday 23 December.  Tickets can be bought on the day from the ticket office, or bought in advance via the Castle Howard website to save 10%, and are priced at £18.95 for adults, £17.50 for concessions and £9.95 for children.  A family ticket (two adults and two children) is £47.85, and annual pass holders get in free. 

For more details or to prebook tickets, please visit www.castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653 348333.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

December performers are as follows:

Thursday 1 December Two for Tea Duo (Piano)

Friday 2 December Pavilion String Quartet

Saturday 3 December Emmanuel Vass (Piano) | Chanticleer Singers

Sunday 4 December Emmanuel Vass (Piano) | Track 29 Choir

Monday 5 December Two for Tea (Piano)

Tuesday 6 December Kevin Leach Band

Wednesday 7 December Paula Marie Vintage Vocalist

Thursday 8 December Two for Tea Duo (Piano)

Friday 9 December Catherine Strachan (Cello) & David Hammond (Piano)

Saturday 10 December Emmanuel Vass (Piano) | Ampleforth Choir

Sunday 11 December Emmanuel Vass (Piano) | Track 29 Choir

Monday 12 December Emmanuel Vass (Piano)

Tuesday 13 December Kevin Leach Band

Wednesday 14 December Key Largo Trio

Thursday 15 December Lucy Philips (Violin) & Laura Jones (Piano)

Friday 16 December Lucy Philips (Violin) & Laura Jones (Piano)

Saturday 17 December Emmanuel Vass (Piano) | Harmoniae Quartet | Pavilion Duo

Sunday 18 December (Daytime) Emmanuel Vass (Piano) | York Tutti Amici Choir |Harmoniae Quartet

Sunday 18 December (Twilight) Emmanuel Vass (Piano) | Cantar Choir

Monday 19 December Lucy Philips (Violin) & David Hammond (Piano)

Tuesday 20 December Kevin Leach Band

Wednesday 21 December Pavilion String Quartet

Thursday 22 December Lucy Coleman (Soprano) & David Hammond (Piano)

Friday 23 December Lucy Coleman (Soprano) & David Hammond (Piano)