December is not traditionally known for its music festivals, which makes the Spitalfields Winter Festival, which this year runs from 4th–11th, a welcome anomaly. There are a number of dance and music events enjoy, but four new music concerts stand out:
1. TROUPE: The Empty Chair (Brady Arts & Community Centre, 4th December, 2pm and 4.30pm
A music theatre piece billed as a ‘mischievous musical adventure exploring loss, change and friendship’ it includes music by Moondog, Meredith Monk and TROUPE.
2. Gothic Voices: Tower of London (The Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, 4th December, 7.30pm)
Vocal ensemble Gothic Voices perform medieval and renaissance settings of Marian texts with contemporary interpretations by Joanne Metcalf and Andrew Smith interpolated.
3. Protein: May Contain Food (Shoreditch Town Hall, Assembly Hall, 6th December 6.15 pm and 8.30pm)
A dance and music theatre show inspired by social occasions and life at mealtimes. Choreographed by Luca Silvestrini with music by Orlando Gough.
4. Melvyn Tan (Shoreditch Church, 6th December 7pm)
A concert to mark the pianist’s 60th birthday and the festival’s 40th. It includes music by Judith Weir, Anthony Dove and a host of other composers as part of the compendium piece Variations for Judith.