Nigel Hess' vivacious and colourful A Christmas Overture, originally commissioned as an orchestral work by John Rutter for his 2007 Christmas Festival, proved an instant success with audience and orchestra alike. Traditional carols, skillfully juxtaposed and interwoven, provide the thematic material. These include Ding Dong! Merrily On High; Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant; Infant Holy, Infant Lowly; Personent Hodie; We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Angels From The Realms Of Glory, which brings the overture to a majestic close. Fragments of other carols appear along the way to enrich the texture of what is surely one of the most attractive pieces written for the festive season.

Brass Band Grade 4/5.

Duration: 7 minutes, 30 seconds