RICHARD DURRANT’S CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS TOUR

Touring December 2024 to UK venues

Believe in The Magic of Christmas and Escape into Midwinter…

Richard Durrant’s Candlelit Christmas Concerts have become a much-loved tradition for audiences across the UK.

Candlelit Christmas Concerts 2024

Each show is a celebration of both Christian and Pagan Midwinter, a balance which has become Richard Durrant’s lifelong musical quest.

And each winter this remarkable musician continues to seek the musical Holy Grail by combining Early Music and British folk with Pagan and Christian seasonal songs, Christmas chart music and a growing collection of utterly stunning original material contributed to by every member of his remarkable band.

At each show you will also hear four part Carols (made available in advance to the audience) sung a cappella, instrumental numbers played by candlelight and, during matinees, Richard’s exquisite guitar solos carefully timed to coincide with the setting sun.

You can hear some of the concert tracks on Spotify 

Meet The Band

Candlelit Christmas Concert

AMY KAKOURA
For the past 11 years Richard has toured this show alongside his friend, the singer, songwriter and actress Amy Kakoura.

Amy’s Irish and Greek heritage is immediately apparent in her singing voice which has a unique stylistic flexibility and emotional impact.  Amy’s own songs are always eagerly awaited.

THE DURRANT CHILDREN
Richard is blessed with four musically gifted children each of whom have made valuable contributions to the development and sound of these concerts. In 2024 he will once again be joined by youngest daughter singer/songwriter Daisy Durrant who will play piano, Hammond, fiddle, accordion and whistles. Daisy is currently studying for a degree in Classics and is about to complete her training as a Yoga Therapist.

Oldest son and singer/songwriter Django Durrant will be on his fifth Christmas tour. Django, who is currently in the second year of his music degree at Leeds University, will be playing drums, percussion and keyboards.

RICHARD DURRANT
Richard Durrant is a composer and recording artist who defies categorisation. He is one of the leading guitar virtuosos of his generation who, uniquely, performs standing up. He now writes a high proportion of his own concert music. Richard is a passionate supporter of music literacy, especially amongst guitarists. Richard has performed worldwide. He is celebrated in Paraguay for his playing of the music of Agustin Barrios and his lyrical, virtuosic interpretations of JS Bach’s works, often played on ukulele, have received critical acclaim. Richard has played live sessions on BBC Radios 2, 3, 4, 6 Music and Classic FM.

OVER THE YEARS
Previous tours have been enhanced by more of Richard’s musical friends.  In 2012 comedy legend Barry Cryer became the voice of Richard’s musical story The Polar Bear and from 2016 to 2019 the “avant-folk” multi-instrumentalist Nick Pynn played fiddles, lap dulcimer, banjo and bass pedals.  In 2021 & 2022 the mediaeval prog-rock God Brian Gulland sang and played keyboards, recorders, bassoon and crumhorns.

Richard’s wintry quest continues in 2024 during his 19th consecutive tour!

“Attempting to wrestle control of Christmas from the more commercial aspects.”

“Technically impressive guitar playing on the folk/classical cusp..”

“An all embracing winter tapestry…whether pure instrumental or paired with Amy Kakoura’s soothing tones, it’s a tasteful celebration.”

“Richard Durrant’s candlelit guitar concert is one of the highlights of the year. Durrant’s evocative playing and stunning stage set fill the centre with a magical aura perfectly aligned to the festive season. A sell-out success year after year, the magnificence of this show speaks for itself with an additional matinee performance also reaching full capacity.”

“Conceived in the spirit of a family gathered round a fire…”