Your events at Classical Events
Details
Royal Concert Hall
Theatre Square
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG1 5ND
England
Tickets
Prices: £22.50 to £43.50
Book Tickets
Programme
Jacques Offenbach – Orpheus in the Underworld: Overture
Gabriel Fauré – Pavane, Op.50
Pablo de Sarasate – Carmen Concert Fantasy, Op.25
Franz Lehár – The Merry Widow: Vilja's Aria
Performers
Nicholas Kok – Conductor
April Fredrick – Soprano
Sophie Rosa – violin
Programme Note
Travel to the City of Light this New Year’s Eve, as we transform Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall into a dazzling celebration of French musical magic.
All the music in this year’s New Year’s Eve gala was either written by a French composer or inspired by Paris, combining classical with elements of jazz and cabaret that make Parisian music so exciting.
We start with the exuberance of Offenbach’s Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld, before experiencing Parisian high society with Lehar’s Vilja from The Merry Widow. There’s fiery virtuosity with Sarasate’s violin arrangements of Bizet’s Carmen – performed by Sinfonia Viva leader Sophie Rosa – and elegance in the form of Fauré’s famous Pavane and Debussy’s Clair de Lune.
Then we’ll raise a glass to the golden age of French cabaret with Piaf’s La Vie en rose, the joyous I Love Paris (in the Springtime), and the timeless J’attendrai. This short set is performed by Royal Concert Hall favourite, soprano April Fredrick, and a special cabaret band with conductor Nicholas Kok on piano.
If you want something enjoyable to do with friends this New Year’s Eve, this is your chance to welcome 2026 in style, surrounded by the music that made France the city of light, love, and legend. Bonne année!
