Gaspard is the friendly fox with a taste for adventure! Following on from the success of Gaspard’s Foxtrot, the RSNO’s National Schools Concert Programme, join Gaspard the Fox on a brand-new adventure with heart this Christmas. This December, Classic FM’s Orchestra in North-East England and at Sage Gateshead, Royal Northern Sinfonia offer up a classical festive feast, from Corelli’s ‘Christmas Concerto’ to Pärt’s Trisagion, plus brilliant music by Biber, Hildegard of Bingen, and Bach.

Christmas and New Year radio schedule | The Home Classic FM Christmas and New Year radio schedule | The Home

Zeb Soanes explains how he became captivated by the capital’s flame-furred, bushy-tailed residents. The pictures in Gaspard’s Christmas are absolutely beautiful and we’re so excited to see you paint live at the concerts. Do you ever get nervous doing this? Gaspard the fox, your literary creation, is an immortalization of a very real, urban fox that you and your partner befriended and nursed. Do/How do Gaspard’s continuing Christmas adventures continue to be inspired by that connection? Classic FM’s very own Alan Titchmarsh joins the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the CBSO Choruses for an evening of festive cheer, full of traditional carols and new Christmas classics.Join Anne-Marie for another special festive edition of Classic FM Requests, on Christmas Day from 10am. Zeb Soanes and James Mayhew talk about their new book Gaspard: Best in Show and what’s in store next for everybody’s favourite fox… The festive December period also sees the end of the religious festival of Hanukkah, and at 9pm on Monday 26 December Rabbi Dr Thomas Salamon presents a special programme to mark the occasion. Salamon, who is Rabbi Emeritus at Westminster Synagogue, features classical music connected to and celebrating the Jewish faith, including part of Handel’s oratorio Judas Maccabaeus and Prokofiev’s Overture on Hebrew Themes. The Classic FM Hall of Fame Feast, with Aled Jones and Margherita Taylor Gaspard boards the Number 38 bus and sets off on a musical adventure through the sights, sounds and smells on London. This tale in the delightful Gaspard the Fox series is narrated by the book’s author, Zeb Soanes with live on-stage illustration by James Mayhew. The perfect way to introduce children to a live orchestra through images and storytelling. So, whether Handel’s Messiah is a core part of your Christmas tradition, or you’re looking for a family friendly concert to liven up the holidays, here are 10 brilliant events from Classic FM’s partner orchestras and choir this winter.

Zeb Soanes

SEE!’ exclaimed Peter. I told you it was Father Christmas. He knows my name. And he called me Saint Peter because I helped him.’ A popular broadcaster, author and newsreader who grew up in Lowestoft has returned to his home town to help inspire children at his former school. Join him on Classic FM from 7pm on Monday 26 December, and from 8pm from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 December. Music for the Festival of Lights with Rabbi Thomas Salamon Zeb is now the presenter of Smooth Classics at Seven on Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station.

If you’re a fan of this series of books about the adventures of an urban fox living in London then you’ll be delighted with the latest in this series: Gaspard’s Christmas. This is the fourth story following on from Gaspard the Fox (2018), Gaspard Best in Show (2019) and Gaspard’s Foxtrot (2021). The festive season wouldn’t be complete without Handel’s Messiah, and this concert by Classic FM’s Orchestra in the South of England is sure to be among the best this year. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are joined by the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus for their performance, under the direction of Laurence Cummings. Author Zeb Soanes first mentioned a possible Christmas book several years ago, a touching tale with real heart. How wonderful that this week it came to fruition as “Gaspard’s Christmas”, the 4th title in the Gaspard The Fox series, illustrated by me.

Celebrate Christmas with Gaspard the Fox! - Royal Scottish

My favourite moment in Jonathan Dove’s score is when he introduces St Peter’s Church. The text describes it as being ‘ablaze with light’ and he uses the full power of the orchestra and tubular bells, it really is a thrillingly magical moment. Musicians of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra continue their Cake Concert series, as part of their ongoing work to bring music and entertainment to those living with dementia.He is also the creator of the Katie art books and Ella Bella Ballerina series. He has worked with many orchestras and musicians including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, painting illustrations live on stage to performances of classical music, including The Firebird, Scheherazade and Pictures at an Exhibition. At 7pm on 18 December, join Charlotte Hawkins as she speaks to Andrea Bocelli and two of his children, Matteo and Virginia, in an exclusive interview for Classic FM. Find out how the star tenor and his family celebrate Christmas, in a programme filled with joy, laughter, and some of the family’s favourite music for this time of year. Illustration is a huge part of Gaspard’s public life, how would you characterise your relationship with your illustrator? And on Friday 23 December he presents a special evening of live carols and readings from the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral, held by the Guide Dogs charity. There’ll be music from St Paul’s Cathedral Choir, with festive readings by David Bradley, Ruth Jones, and Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh.