Possible change to 2 songs-blended!!
-please be ready to move straight from SING WE THE SONG straight into HARK THE HERALD
This will mean we move straight from bar 110 on sing we the song (end of page 9) and lead straight into hark the herald verse 1 (you will already have these back to back based on order sent earlier in the week!)
Hark the herald will then be verse 1 and 3 only!
This is probably to make space for Christus victor and claw back some time 👍🏻
Dress
Ladies may like to know..black lace is fine..it’s head to toe black that is most important (long or 3/4 sleeves and trousers or long or 3/4 dresses) and absolutely no white of any kind for anyone:-)
Seating
Everyone will receive a wrist band and card with seat number on as we arrive. They have specifically put us and Mursley together on one side (we are West) as we are used to sitting together. There WILL be a moment before we go into the hall (in silence as Gettys will already be rehearsing) and a few moments that Sean will direct during our practise when we can silently change seats if you’re not next to your usual singing buddy and you’d like to swap. This must be smooth and silent and ONLY when directed :-)
Practise:
The practise will be swift (only about 1/2 hr) so please be 100% focussed and ready with pencils for any changes and no talking:-)
Massed Choir Information 2025
PLEASE COME DRESSED FOR THE CONCERT AS IT WILL BE VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY TO CHANGE IN PUBLIC AND SHARED RESTROOMS ONLY.
Ladies: Plain smart black top or shirt (long or 3/4 sleeves). Smart plain black trousers or smart mid to long black skirt or a black dress with smart black shoes. A small black handbag is allowed on stage. No white accessories. Gold/Silver ok.
Gentlemen: Plain smart black shirt (long sleeves). Black ties or jackets are optional. Smart plain black trousers and shoes. Black socks.
NOTE: For those who have sung previously in the Prom Praise Massed Chorus - there is no red. All black please.
NOTE: YOU WILL NEED YOUR OWN BLACK CHOIR FOLDER
Bring the minimum amount of personal items.
While on stage, maximum allowed: 1 small bag + refillable bottle for water and/or a hot beverage cup. Refillable water stations will be available.
Extreme quiet will be needed when entering/exiting and sitting on stage. This is definitely a challenge as it is so good to see one another and inevitable to need to communicate as you are settling.
Thank you for working together to keep noise to a bare minimum!
Please proceed around the Royal Albert Hall to Door 11 where you check in and be given a wristband indicating whether you will be seated on the East or West side of the stage.
PURPLE - for EAST
BLACK FOR WEST
You will be greeted by a choir marshall who will tick your name off a door list and confirm that you have your wristband and music. There may be a bag check by an RAH staff member.
You will be directed by our choir marshalls to the dressing rooms backstage.
14:00 - DOOR 11
14:45 - Line up choir commences - procedure will be explained on the day.
15:30 - Warm Up begins in your choir seats on stage.
15:30 - Rehearsal with Gettys starts
17:30 - Rehearsal ends - exit stage procedure will be explained on the day.
17:45 - Supper Break (personal packed tea) - regular tea and coffee provided
18:45 - Prayer & line up choir commences
19:15 - Seated on stage
19:30 - CONCERT BEGINS
20:30 - Interval - please remain in your seats (25 mins interval)
22:15 - Approx end of concert and exit. Return via Door 11 to collect belongings, clear rubbish and exit the building.
Unfortunately the RAH do not have adequate parking facilities for performers and regrettably no ‘special deals’ with any local authorities for productions. If you intend to drive to the Royal Albert Hall, you may wish to use some of the following options:
Kensington and Chelsea Local Authority Spaces:
Various spaces available around the side streets of Prince Consort Road, you can use this Parkopedia link to find out how much parking will cost in one of the nearby streets for the time we are at the RAH.
See their local website for a map of all spaces and restrictions:
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/parking-transport-and-streets/visitor-parking-and-pay-phone/guide-parking
Generally metered between 08.30 - 18.30, however some cut off sooner (around 13.30 as mentioned above), after which there is unmetered parking. Spaces are limited in these locations.
Just Park - a website which lists privately owned garages, driveways and parking spaces which are available to rent for a specified period. Please see: www.justpark.com
Imperial College Car Park: Prince Consort Road, SW72BX
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/estates-facilities/travel/car-parking/who-can-park/
Subject to availability (not bookable in advance). Open between 0700 - Midnight on Saturday.
Approx £3.00 per hour
Euro Car Park (Royal Garden Hotel): 2-24 Kensington High Street W84PT
Ph: 0870 907 9777
10-15 mins walk from the RAH
1hr = £5.00, 4hrs = £13.00, 6hrs = £16.00 (Rates subject to change)
Special night rate (6pm - 8am) = £12.00 Rates subject to change)
Hyde Park: Park Lane W1K 7AN
https://www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/cities/london/park-lane/
Q-Park Park Lane is a large underground car park situated beneath Hyde Park and outside of the Congestion Zone.
NO CHANGES TO VOICE PART OR CHOIR ASSIGNMENT ON THE DAY. Please do not go to any other choir area other than the one you have been assigned to. As we have several hundred performers in this concert, it is vital that you stay within your designated choir area at all times.
Remember to bring your own Black Choir Folder and Music
Personal Items & Valuables: The dressing rooms are fairly secure for coats, snack bags, etc. but plan to keep valuables with you at all times. There is limited seating in the dressing rooms. You may bring a small folding stool.
Come dressed and ready for performance. Dressing rooms will be shared by men & women. Many have found being dressed makes the afternoon more comfortable with adequate time to eat and to relax in the brief time between rehearsal and concert. Changing will be possible in a restroom if needed.
Reminder: You will need your own refillable water bottle or hot beverage cup + your own packed sandwich supper. Refillable water stations available. Please plan to observe and use biodegradable/food waste, recyclable waste and general waste disposal bins. Tea & coffee available for the dinner break.
NOTE: Any beverage container taken to stage must be clear or a dark colour so that they will not be picked up by the cameras. (No bright colours)
DURING THE INTERVAL: Plan to remain in your choir seats during the Interval unless absolutely critical to visit the toilets. Please do not use this time to purchase beverages from the concession stands or to visit friends/family as there is a very short turnaround before the programme begins. We note this because in the past, choir members have not made it back to their seats in time for the 2nd half because of congestion in the halls.
TRAVEL: Transport schedules fluctuate - please plan your transport carefully.
CONCERT TICKETS: Tickets in demand and available only from the Royal Hall website or box office. There is not a performer discount for friends and family at this event as it is run by the Royal Albert Hall.
Emergency Royal Albert Hall: 020 7589 3203
Getty Christmas Concert RAH 2025 (to share, press and hold and select copy)
Possible change to 2 songs-blended!!
-please be ready to move straight from SING WE THE SONG straight into HARK THE HERALD
This will mean we move straight from bar 110 on sing we the song (end of page 9) and lead straight into hark the herald verse 1 (you will already have these back to back based on order sent earlier in the week!)
Hark the herald will then be verse 1 and 3 only!
This is probably to make space for Christus victor and claw back some time 👍🏻
Dress
Ladies may like to know..black lace is fine..it’s head to toe black that is most important (long or 3/4 sleeves and trousers or long or 3/4 dresses) and absolutely no white of any kind for anyone:-)
Seating
Everyone will receive a wrist band and card with seat number on as we arrive. They have specifically put us and Mursley together on one side (we are West) as we are used to sitting together. There WILL be a moment before we go into the hall (in silence as Gettys will already be rehearsing) and a few moments that Sean will direct during our practise when we can silently change seats if you’re not next to your usual singing buddy and you’d like to swap. This must be smooth and silent and ONLY when directed :-)
Practise:
The practise will be swift (only about 1/2 hr) so please be 100% focussed and ready with pencils for any changes and no talking:-)
Massed Choir Information 2025
PLEASE COME DRESSED FOR THE CONCERT AS IT WILL BE VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY TO CHANGE IN PUBLIC AND SHARED RESTROOMS ONLY.
Ladies: Plain smart black top or shirt (long or 3/4 sleeves). Smart plain black trousers or smart mid to long black skirt or a black dress with smart black shoes. A small black handbag is allowed on stage. No white accessories. Gold/Silver ok.
Gentlemen: Plain smart black shirt (long sleeves). Black ties or jackets are optional. Smart plain black trousers and shoes. Black socks.
NOTE: For those who have sung previously in the Prom Praise Massed Chorus - there is no red. All black please.
NOTE: YOU WILL NEED YOUR OWN BLACK CHOIR FOLDER
Bring the minimum amount of personal items.
While on stage, maximum allowed: 1 small bag + refillable bottle for water and/or a hot beverage cup. Refillable water stations will be available.
Extreme quiet will be needed when entering/exiting and sitting on stage. This is definitely a challenge as it is so good to see one another and inevitable to need to communicate as you are settling.
Thank you for working together to keep noise to a bare minimum!
Please proceed around the Royal Albert Hall to Door 11 where you check in and be given a wristband indicating whether you will be seated on the East or West side of the stage.
PURPLE - for EAST
BLACK FOR WEST
You will be greeted by a choir marshall who will tick your name off a door list and confirm that you have your wristband and music. There may be a bag check by an RAH staff member.
You will be directed by our choir marshalls to the dressing rooms backstage.
14:00 - DOOR 11
14:45 - Line up choir commences - procedure will be explained on the day.
15:30 - Warm Up begins in your choir seats on stage.
15:30 - Rehearsal with Gettys starts
17:30 - Rehearsal ends - exit stage procedure will be explained on the day.
17:45 - Supper Break (personal packed tea) - regular tea and coffee provided
18:45 - Prayer & line up choir commences
19:15 - Seated on stage
19:30 - CONCERT BEGINS
20:30 - Interval - please remain in your seats (25 mins interval)
22:15 - Approx end of concert and exit. Return via Door 11 to collect belongings, clear rubbish and exit the building.
Unfortunately the RAH do not have adequate parking facilities for performers and regrettably no ‘special deals’ with any local authorities for productions. If you intend to drive to the Royal Albert Hall, you may wish to use some of the following options:
Kensington and Chelsea Local Authority Spaces:
Various spaces available around the side streets of Prince Consort Road, you can use this Parkopedia link to find out how much parking will cost in one of the nearby streets for the time we are at the RAH.
See their local website for a map of all spaces and restrictions:
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/parking-transport-and-streets/visitor-parking-and-pay-phone/guide-parking
Generally metered between 08.30 - 18.30, however some cut off sooner (around 13.30 as mentioned above), after which there is unmetered parking. Spaces are limited in these locations.
Just Park - a website which lists privately owned garages, driveways and parking spaces which are available to rent for a specified period. Please see: www.justpark.com
Imperial College Car Park: Prince Consort Road, SW72BX
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/estates-facilities/travel/car-parking/who-can-park/
Subject to availability (not bookable in advance). Open between 0700 - Midnight on Saturday.
Approx £3.00 per hour
Euro Car Park (Royal Garden Hotel): 2-24 Kensington High Street W84PT
Ph: 0870 907 9777
10-15 mins walk from the RAH
1hr = £5.00, 4hrs = £13.00, 6hrs = £16.00 (Rates subject to change)
Special night rate (6pm - 8am) = £12.00 Rates subject to change)
Hyde Park: Park Lane W1K 7AN
https://www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/cities/london/park-lane/
Q-Park Park Lane is a large underground car park situated beneath Hyde Park and outside of the Congestion Zone.
NO CHANGES TO VOICE PART OR CHOIR ASSIGNMENT ON THE DAY. Please do not go to any other choir area other than the one you have been assigned to. As we have several hundred performers in this concert, it is vital that you stay within your designated choir area at all times.
Remember to bring your own Black Choir Folder and Music
Personal Items & Valuables: The dressing rooms are fairly secure for coats, snack bags, etc. but plan to keep valuables with you at all times. There is limited seating in the dressing rooms. You may bring a small folding stool.
Come dressed and ready for performance. Dressing rooms will be shared by men & women. Many have found being dressed makes the afternoon more comfortable with adequate time to eat and to relax in the brief time between rehearsal and concert. Changing will be possible in a restroom if needed.
Reminder: You will need your own refillable water bottle or hot beverage cup + your own packed sandwich supper. Refillable water stations available. Please plan to observe and use biodegradable/food waste, recyclable waste and general waste disposal bins. Tea & coffee available for the dinner break.
NOTE: Any beverage container taken to stage must be clear or a dark colour so that they will not be picked up by the cameras. (No bright colours)
DURING THE INTERVAL: Plan to remain in your choir seats during the Interval unless absolutely critical to visit the toilets. Please do not use this time to purchase beverages from the concession stands or to visit friends/family as there is a very short turnaround before the programme begins. We note this because in the past, choir members have not made it back to their seats in time for the 2nd half because of congestion in the halls.
TRAVEL: Transport schedules fluctuate - please plan your transport carefully.
CONCERT TICKETS: Tickets in demand and available only from the Royal Hall website or box office. There is not a performer discount for friends and family at this event as it is run by the Royal Albert Hall.
Emergency Royal Albert Hall: 020 7589 3203
Getty Christmas Concert RAH 2025 (to share, press and hold and select copy)
CONCERT ORDER
Set 1:
I’ll be Home for Christmas*
God rest ye Merry Gentlemen*
Deck The Halls*
My Love is like a Red, Red Rose*
Sleigh Ride*
O Children Come*
Jesus, Joy of the Highest Heaven*
Silent Night
Christus Victor
Joy to The World
Set 2:
Once in Royal David’s City
Lesson 1
Of The Father’s Love Begotten
Lesson 2
O come O Come Emmanuel
Lesson 3
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Lesson 4
Carol of the Bells
Lesson 5
Wayfaring Stranger*
Lesson 6
O Holy Night
Lesson 7
Sing we the song of Emmanuel
Hark! the herald angels
Lesson 8
In The Bleak Midwinter*
Lesson 9
In Christ Alone
O Come All Ye faithful
Ladies: Plain smart black top or shirt (long or 3/4 sleeves). Smart plain black trousers or smart mid to long black skirt with smart black shoes. A small black handbag is allowed on stage. No white accessories.
Gentlemen: Plain smart black shirt (long sleeves). Black ties or jackets are optional. Smart plain black trousers and shoes. Black socks.
NOTE: For those who have sung previously in the Prom Praise Massed Chorus - there is no red. All black please.
Crucial Note 1
● NOTE: YOU WILL NEED YOUR OWN BLACK CHOIR FOLDER
● Bring the minimum amount of personal items.
● While on stage, maximum allowed: 1 small bag + packed supper + refillable bottle for water and/or a hot beverage cup. Refillable water stations will be in the galleries.
Crucial Note 2
● Extreme quiet will be needed in the Galleries and the Loft during the Getty band only rehearsal. This is definitely a challenge as it is so good to see one another and inevitable to need to communicate as you are settling.
● Thank you for working together to keep noise to a bare minimum!
On arrival at the Royal Albert Hall (RAH) please find the relevant door to your voice part. Your entry door will be printed on your wristband - indicating either WEST or EAST.
NOTE: These doors will NOT be open to choir members before 14:00.
RAH Door 1 - EAST choir singers
RAH Door 11- WEST choir singers
Door 11 is to the left of the South steps entrance behind the statue, and Door 1 is on the right hand side. If you arrive early, there are lavatories, a coffee shop and a gift shop just inside Door 12.
Please wear your wristband so that it is clearly visible.
NOTE: Your wristband does not allow for backstage access. Only access to the gallery and to the choir loft and public areas is permitted.
If you are a remote singer or were unable to pick up your wristband at the final rehearsal, it will be waiting for you just outside Door 11 with one of our choir marshalls. Please arrive in time to pick this up from the choir marshall and then enter through the corresponding door at 2:00 pm.
You will be greeted by a choir marshall who will tick your name off a door list and confirm that you have your wristband and music. There may be a bag check by an RAH staff member.
Please proceed directly to the gallery via the stairs. Lifts available only for those who need it.
Choir Timetable
14:00 - DOOR 11 & DOOR 1 OPEN. Early Access to the gallery is not possible..
14:45 - Line up choir commences
15:05 - Warm Up begins in your choir seats on stage.
15:30 - Rehearsal with Gettys starts
17:30 - Rehearsal ends - exit stage
17:45 - Supper Break (personal packed tea) - regular tea and coffee provided
18:45 - Prayer & line up choir commences
19:15 - Seated on stage
19:30 - CONCERT BEGINS
20:30 - Interval - please remain in your seats (25 mins interval)
22:15 - Approx end of concert and exit. Return to collect belongings, clear rubbish and exit the building.
Unfortunately the RAH do not have adequate parking facilities for performers and regrettably no ‘special deals’ with any local authorities for productions. If you intend to drive to the Royal Albert Hall, you may wish to use some of the following options:
Kensington and Chelsea Local Authority Spaces:
Various spaces available around the side streets of Prince Consort Road, you can use this Parkopedia link to find out how much parking will cost in one of the nearby streets for the time we are at the RAH.
See their local website for a map of all spaces and restrictions:
Generally metered between 08.30 - 18.30, however some cut off sooner (around 13.30 as mentioned above), after which there is unmetered parking. Spaces are limited in these locations.
Just Park - a website which lists privately owned garages, driveways and parking spaces which are available to rent for a specified period. Please see: www.justpark.com
Imperial College Car Park: Prince Consort Road, SW72BX
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/estates-facilities/travel/car-parking/who-can-park/
Subject to availability (not bookable in advance). Open between 0700 - Midnight on Saturday.
Approx £3.00 per hour
Euro Car Park (Royal Garden Hotel): 2-24 Kensington High Street W84PT
Ph: 0870 907 9777
10-15 mins walk from the RAH
1hr = £5.00, 4hrs = £13.00, 6hrs = £16.00 (Rates subject to change)
Special night rate (6pm - 8am) = £12.00 Rates subject to change)
Hyde Park: Park Lane W1K 7AN
Q-Park Park Lane is a large underground car park situated beneath Hyde Park and outside of the Congestion Zone.
NO CHANGES TO VOICE PART OR CHOIR ASSIGNMENT ON THE DAY. Please do not go to any other choir area other than the one you have been assigned to. As we have several hundred performers in this concert, it is vital that you stay within your designated choir area at all times.
Remember to bring your own Black Choir Folder and Music
Personal Items & Valuables: The galleries are fairly secure for coats, snack bags, etc. but do plan to keep valuables on your person at all times. There is limited seating available in the gallery because of Health & Safety requirements. You may bring a small folding stool.
Come dressed and ready for performance. There will not be a changing space in the gallery. If you do need to change, you will need to change in a public restroom. Many have found being dressed makes the afternoon more comfortable with adequate time to eat and to relax in the brief time between rehearsal and concert.
Reminder: You will need your own refillable water bottle or hot beverage cup + your own packed sandwich supper. There will be refillable water stations in the gallery. Please plan to observe and use biodegradable/food waste, recyclable waste and general waste disposal bins. Tea and coffee will be served during the evening dinner break in the gallery.
DURING THE INTERVAL: Plan to remain in your choir seats during the Interval unless absolutely critical to visit the toilets. Please do not use this time to purchase beverages from the concession stands or to visit friends/family as there is a very short turnaround before the programme begins. We note this because in the past, choir members have not made it back to their seats in time for the 2nd half because of congestion in the halls.
TRAVEL: Remember that changes to transport schedules fluctuate, so please do plan your transport for this day carefully.
CONCERT TICKETS: Tickets in demand and available only from the Royal Hall website or box office. There is not a performer discount for friends and family at this event as it is run by the Royal Albert Hall.
Emergency Royal Albert Hall: 020 7589 3203