A Wonderful Christmas Time at Morley

December at Morley is a magical time – a vibrant hub of music, art, and community spirit, offering a festive season packed with creativity and joy. From sweeping symphonies to intimate opera, jazz jams to choral harmonies, Morley proved that the season is best celebrated with creativity and community.

Symphonic Spark: Unfinished Tales

Last week the festivities began with the Morley Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Giannis Giannopoulos, delivering a programme that danced between operatic sparkle and romantic soul. Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture burst forth with wit and energy, Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2—featuring the expressive Tanith Hunter—enchanted the crowd, and Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony left hearts full and spirits soaring.

Carols and Classics: Morley Choral Christmas Concert

On Friday came a night of pure seasonal warmth. The Morley Chamber Choir and Meridian Choir, led by Manvinder Singh Rattan and Benedict Collins-Rice, filled the hall with beloved carols like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing alongside rarities from Nunes Garcia and Buxtehude. Audience members joined in, creating a communal chorus that echoed the true spirit of Christmas.

Jazz Joy: Morley Jam Session

For those craving spontaneity, the Morley Jam Session delivered. Students and seasoned musicians shared the stage, improvising to the rhythm of the season. The atmosphere was electric—warm lights, clinking glasses, and the sound of saxophones weaving through laughter.

Ravel in the Spotlight: Piano Marathon

In a dazzling tribute to Maurice Ravel’s 150th anniversary, Morley’s pianists embarked on a marathon of his complete solo works. From the shimmering Jeux d’eau to the virtuosic Gaspard de la Nuit, and culminating in a spectacular Boléro for two pianos and eight hands, the evening was a feast for the senses. Tutors Dimitris Karydis and Martino Tirimo guided the performers with finesse, while a festive bar kept spirits high. “Boléro with eight hands? was extraordinary and amazing,” said one guest.

Festive Flourish: Waterloo Evening

The Waterloo Festive Evening brought explored creative showcases, and soaked up the joyful atmosphere. It was a celebration of Morley’s thriving artistic community. Across Morley our students demonstrated their incredible craft skills with festive themed creations

Opera with Impact: CONSEQUENCES

Closing the performance season, Morley Opera School staged Opera Scenes: CONSEQUENCES, a thought-provoking journey through choices and their ripple effects. Directed by William Kerley, with music direction by Panaretos Kyriatzidis, the production featured scenes from Gluck, Mozart, Britten, and Poulenc—moving from light-hearted vows to profound moral reckonings. “An astonishing and moving performance, with beautiful stagecraft!,” said one audience member.

Consequences

A Season to Remember

From the grandeur of symphonies to the intimacy of opera, the sparkle of jazz to the glow of carols, Morley College offered a December rich in artistry and connection. At Morley, it has been a wonderful Christmas time. Seasons greetings to everyone in the Morley community – and a prosperous 2026!