CAROLS, CAREY AND CLIFF SET TO FEATURE IN ORCHESTRA'S SPECIAL FESTIVE CONCERT

One of North Wales' leading orchestras is set to bring the sparkle of the festive season to Wrexham's William Aston Hall with a special Christmas concert.

Featuring festive favourites including much-loved Carols and hits by Mariah Carey and Cliff Richard, Wrexham Symphony Orchestra will stage the concert on Sunday 30th November at 2.30pm. The orchestra will be joined by Welsh soprano Rachael Hughes and conductor Mark Lansom. 

Soprano Rachael Hughes graduated from the Wales International Academy of Voice with a distinction in MA Advanced Vocal Technique. Operatic roles include Countess Le Nozze di Figaro for Mid Wales Opera, Musetta, La Bohème for Flat Pack Opera, Mimi, La Bohème and the title role of Suor Angelica for North Wales Opera. Rachael has sung for the Chorus for Longborough Opera Festival in their most recent UK premier of Wahnfried (2025) and additionally in La Boheme (2024). As a concert soloist, Rachael has performed with Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra in St David’s Hall, Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, Shrewsbury Orchestra and New Sinfonia. She has also appeared as a guest soloist for many choirs including Rhos Male Voice Choir, London Welsh Male Voice Choir, Cantorion Rhos and Sirenian Singers. 

A professional violinist and Head of Strings at The King's School in Chester, the orchestra's guest conductor Mark Lansom plays regularly for weddings and functions with the Snowdonia String Quartet. He can also be found leading orchestras including Wrexham Symphony Orchestra and St John’s Festival Orchestra. He is also a composer and arranger, and his arrangements, mostly for string quartets and school groups, sell regularly worldwide. Mark started conducting regularly through his job as a violin teacher in schools, and first conducted Wrexham Symphony Orchestra in 1999. Since then he has been its most regular conductor.

Speaking about the special festive concert, Matthew Ellis, Chair of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra said:

"As the crisp air of winter settles over Wrexham, join us for an afternoon of music that captures the spirit of the season. The Wrexham Symphony Orchestra returns to the stage at the William Aston Hall with a heart warming program that blends festive cheer, orchestral wonder, and a touch of magic. Under the baton of Mark Lansom, the orchestra will guide audience members through a rich tapestry of seasonal favourites and classical gems, from classic carols to big hits by Mariah Carey and Cliff Richard. This year’s concert features the radiant Rachael Hughes as soloist, whose artistry promises to dazzle and delight. Whether you are a seasoned concertgoer or discovering the joy of live orchestral music for the first time, this performance is the perfect way to begin your holiday celebrations."

Full details of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra's Christmas concert can be found at: 

www.wrexhamorch.co.uk 

...where tickets can be booked online.