Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra offers music lovers a Christmas concert of two festive halves next week.

The first part features some of the finest Christmas music written during the Baroque period (roughly 1600 to 1750). It includes works by JS Bach, Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti, and features star Australian soprano Penelope Mills, a recent visitor to Auckland who thrilled audiences at the APO’s concerts of Carmina Burana.

The second half of the programme focuses on much-loved tunes played by the APO and sung by The Graduate Choir. These include carols such as 'Once in Royal David's City', and the APO's traditional concert closer 'Silent Night' - complete with the customary audience participation.

The concerts take place at a suitably divine venue: Parnell’s beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral. 

The orchestra is conducted by the APO’s Principal Guest Conductor, Roy Goodman, who is an acknowledged world authority of music from the Baroque era.

“I can’t think of anyone in this part of the world who understands Baroque music better than Roy Goodman,” says Barbara Glaser, the APO’s Chief Executive. “Roy has a lightness of touch and an infectious enthusiasm that make him a favourite with audiences, and his ability to convey a sense of joy is perfect for a Christmas programme.”

Ms Glaser also has words of praise for the Graduate Choir.

“We regularly work with Terence Maskell and his Graduate Choir, and they always deliver. People will remember last year’s Celebrate Christmas concert, when the choir was just magical. Holy Trinity Cathedral is a wonderful venue for singers, and both the Graduate Choir and Penelope Mills will sound fantastic.”