8th Great Year: Following the popular success of Christmas Concerts by candlelight at Durham Cathedral, Hexham Abbey, Beveriey Minster and some of the north's finest churches, AM Live has pleasure in announcing its Christmas Candlelit Concert Tour, 2008.

Seasonal warmth: A spedal atmosphere pervades these friendly concerts with the twinkling magic of candlelight, the glorious music and the heightened intimacy between musicians and audience, not (east during the enjoyment of mulled wine and mince pies at the interval.

Conducted by David Haslam, the English Philharmonic Ensemble and its associated chorus, The Singers (director Donald Hailiday), will be appearing at St. George's Church, Jesmond, St. Cuthbeifs Church, Carlisle, and Hexham Abbey.

Our programme begins with David Haslam's uplifting "Christmas Fanfare - A Boy is Born" followed by Corelli's much-loved "Christmas Concerto" and Handel's "Let The Bright Seraphim" with popular soprano Suzanne Manuel and trumpet virtuoso Anthony Thompson. A seasonal selection by The Singers and Vivaldi's colourful portrayal of "Winter" from "The Seasons" rousingly concludes the first half.

Vivaldi opens the second half too as choir and orchestra join together in a chorus from his resplendent "Gloria" (RV588). Oboist, Phillip Cull, then Joins the soloists to play Oboe d'amore in Telemann's concerto. Following more Christmas music from The Singers, the audience will be invited to sing favourite Christmas carols with choir and orchestra. Suzanne Manuel’s inspiring performance of Adam’s "0 Holy Night is not to be missed before our Christmas Candlelit Concert concludes in the traditionally uplifting way with favourite music from Handel's masterpiece, "Messiah".