Chosen by Scott Cooper - Director of Artistic Administration

When I was a student at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, as it was then called, this opening movement of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio was often a feature of the annual Carol Concert, which took place either at the City Halls or at Glasgow Cathedral. Just about every single music student was involved whether singing or playing in the orchestra under the late Sir David Lumsden, the then Principal. As a teenager, it was absolutely thrilling to sing this wonderful music with full orchestra to a packed house.

This was all forty years ago around the time when The Sixteen was being founded. I’m delighted to present you with their recording of The Christmas Oratorio conducted by Harry Christophers. Wonderful memories of student life in Glasgow and, more recently, of The Grange Festival’s astonishing collaboration with The Sixteen on Handel’s Belshazzar in 2019. Happy Christmas!

Chosen by Becky Reynolds - Production Assistant

Melancholy but with a good dollop of warmth and hope mixed in, I think this dreamy piano solo speaks to the end of 2020. The soppy among you may recognise it from the soundtrack to Love Actually, the festive British classic where there was more than one lobster present at the birth of Jesus.

It’s Christmas Eve in Paris. Street vendors are shouting out their wares: ‘Oranges, Dates, Hot chestnuts’. Rodolfo buys Mimi a bonnet. Here is our sole Christmas operatic offering.

Chosen by Caroline Sheahan - Head of Box Office

As a teenager, we are awoken to the sounds of Nellie The Elephant (and other Disney songs) with the smell of breakfast cooking and the knowledge that my parents had been up all night preparing the Christmas dinner (turkey already in oven cooking), placing socks at the end of our beds and generally getting no sleep to ensure us kids had a fantastic Christmas Day.

Chosen by Susan Hamilton - Head of Learning

My admiration for the work of Benjamin Britten began with his Church Parable operas in my early 20s, and grew with my friendship with Steuart Bedford (who incidentally never conducts without his precious cufflinks engraved ’to SB from BB’).

Written when Britten was only 16 years old, this unaccompanied anthem for double choir using a 13th century old English text is a Christmas favourite. A moment to reflect and consider.

Chosen by Michael Moody - Chief Operations Officer

The very best classic Christmas song, a drink has been taken, people are arguing, it's rude, it's vulgar sentimental delusional - It might even appear to be anti-Christmas but its reality is cut with its joyous celebratory chorus. Christmas can a time which allows celebration and joy ring out over circumstance.

Chosen by Rachel Pearson - Director of Development

One of my husband Mark’s favourites. Familiar and delicious and always been with us.

Chosen by Alice Blincoe - Marketing Officer

I fell in love with this song the moment I heard Jessie open her mouth, her talent for storytelling helped this song speak straight to my heart. The message of treasuring those around you and taking time away from digital distractions feels particularly poignant in this year. I hope you and your loved ones are safe this Christmas.

Chosen by Annabel Ross - Director of Finance

Would love the whole piece, but the Andante is the most uplifting part for me – so that movement please. I have always loved this piece and was given a recording which I still have for my 21^st Birthday with Yehudi Menuhin as one of the soloist.

Chosen by Rachel Pearson

Welsh parents, strong Welsh roots. Always a tinge of sadness In the emotional depth. Endless relations with impossible names - could never spell the names as a child. Perfect for sleeping off Christmas dinner?

Chosen by Holly Jeffery-Goodall - Dining Administrator

For a Christmas playlist, this might sound like a bit of a leap, but hear me out! I first read Wuthering Heights on a Christmas Eve when I was in my early teens, and it cemented itself as my favourite piece of literature immediately. Since then I have read Wuthering Heights every Christmas and, for me, the tale of Cathy and Heathcliff is synonymous with mulled wine, open fires, and generous helpings of sprouts. Add the magic of Kate Bush’s ethereal voice, and you have the the epitome of Christmas all wrapped up warm and glass in hand. Glad tidings to you all!

Chosen by Rachel Pearson

I was born in Paris, and this the music of listening upstairs to parent’s parties. It stayed with us as a favourite in many foreign postings. I am reminded of hearing happiness in full flow downstairs...... as well as the wine no doubt. It always got my Dad shimmying. I can still see the EP album cover recorded in a Paris club.

A Swedish take on the old German Christmas hymn.

Chosen by Rachel Pearson

I think I have to go for this - it never fails to put a spring in my step and kicks me into a good mood. My brother brought home an LP of Nina when I was a teenager and it has been with me ever since. ...... him too happily!

A modern classic from The Master of the Queen’s music – mystical and spine-tingling.