The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Brandenburg Choir transported their audience to Spain and South America for their annual Christmas affair this weekend at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Alongside more well known carols, the audience was treated to a mix of Spanish and Argentinian music – a fascinating introduction to some beautiful guitar and lute music, though perhaps not the most festive of programs. 

The amount of music performed was impressive, if not a little tightly packed. Some numbers were superfluous – including two variations of Ding Dong Merrily On High – and diluted the impact of some of the more exciting numbers. Still, there was some especially beautiful instrumental music, such as the Jácara and Isaac Albéniz’s Leyenda. 

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s Noël! Noël! 2025. Photo © Laura Manariti

The hall looked magical, with stars and fairylights hanging from the walls and ceiling. The lighting, though, felt a little improvised, dimming and changing at seemingly random points throughout the performance, but perhaps this was sorted for the second performance later that evening. 

Mezzo Maria Eugenia Nieva brought genuine Argentine flair to the evening. Although she was thoroughly entertaining to watch – there was a brilliant interaction as she caressed guitarist Andrew Blanch as he played – her constant movement and pacing across the stage felt awkward and distracting rather than entrancing.

Her rendition of Manuel de Falla’s Nana, inspired by melodies sung to the composer by his mother, was a particular highlight: a tender, still moment that came closest to capturing the intimate, festive atmosphere the evening occasionally lacked

Maria Eugenia Nieva and Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Noël! Noël! 2025. Photo © Laura Manariti

The traditional carols – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Ding Dong Merrily On High, and O Come, All Ye Faithful – were whipped through at a brisk gallop. Although perfectly crisp and jolly, even the formidable Brandenburg Choir seemed rushed by ABO director Paul Dyer’s tempi. Christmas is the season for a little indulgence, and it would have been lovely to linger longer in these favourites. It also must be said – carols really are for singing, and, judging by the couple humming along next to me, the ABO missed a trick not having any audience participation. 

It was an evening dotted with luminous moments, even if they didn’t always gather into a full festive glow. One or two thoughtful adjustments could transform that sparkle into something lasting.

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra presents Noël! Noël! at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Paddington on 9 December; City Recital Hall, Sydney (11–13 December); Parish of Holy Name Church, Wahroonga (15 December); Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta (16 December) and at Saint Brigid’s Catholic Church, Marrickville on 18 December. Visit this link for ticketing.