Introduction

Dear friends,

Welcome to Symphony Hall, and tonight’s performance Christmas at the Movies.

We all have a favourite Christmas movie, something that we roll out each year to laugh, cry or cheer at for the umpteenth time. It’s one of those reassuring things about the holidays, bringing families together, across generations, to remind us how precious it is to spend time with the people we love the most.

Tonight, I’ll be listening out for the theme from Home Alone, which I remember watching one Christmas day as my Nan giggled away on the sofa, and the songs from Love Actually, which I first saw with my Mum in the tiny cinema on the Kings Road after an exhausting day of Christmas shopping.

What a treat it will be to hear these songs, and more, played live, by your orchestra, the glorious CBSO.

Whether a CBSO concert is traditional part of your festive fun, or if you are here for the first time, you are very welcome. In fact, if you are here for the first time, then you are extra especially welcome, and I hope very much that concert going will become an important part of your life in the New Year!

Because there is so much more to come, both at Symphony Hall and elsewhere across this brilliant city. Take a look at what's on.

Until then, I wish you a very Happy Christmas, from all of us at the CBSO.

Emma Stenning, Chief Executive