HOLME Pierrepont Hall's front door is a bit like Narnia's wardrobe. As concert-goers emerge into the walled garden and then climb up to the portrait-lined gallery to take their seats, the 21st century world of Christmas crowds and commercialism recedes as the sounds of Musica Donum Dei's gut-stringed instruments meet the ear and the smells of mince pies and mulled wine add to the festive atmosphere.

This year's programme featured sprightly performances of Corelli's Christmas Concerto, pieces from Handel's Solomon and Messiah and Charpentier's Noels sur les instruments. Crisply stylish ensemble pieces were interspersed with agile, vividly characterised Christmas hymns and carols sung by baritone Michael Sanderson, including attractive arrangements of Old German melodies by Michael Praetorius. There was also the elegant harpsichord playing of Katharine May and spirited recorder playing from Wendy Hancock – including the tune of Ding Dong Merrily on High in its original 1598 setting.

The audience were allowed to join in the carols which ended each half of the concert. But sadly, after the final O Come All Ye Faithful, it was time for the audience to exit through the wardrobe door – although now better equipped to inject some of the spirit of Christmas past into the realities of Christmas present.

William Ruff

Holme Pierrepont Christmas concert, 12 December, 2010,
reviewed in Nottingham Evening Post, 13 December

Holme Pierrepont summer concert, 27 June, 2010,
reviewed in Nottingham Evening Post, 29 June