West Sussex's Advent Crown explores Christmases around the world

How do other nations celebrate Christmas in their culture? The same decorations as we have in Britain? Same food? Same carols and music? The same Father Christmas? The same day, even?

The International Interview Concerts (IICs) are well-placed to find out and showcase their discoveries in their Advent Crown show on Sunday December 6 at 6pm. It will be a livestreaming on their YouTube channel, linking to the homes of some of their associated musicians from other countries.

Spokesman Richard Amey said: “Relaxed conversations between their own performances of carols or music will uncover what their own Christmases look and sound like, as well as what they enjoy and share of the universal features and sounds of the season. And what they most look forward to. Viewers can ask questions online.

“These featured Advent Crown guests are from four other overseas nations – one of them, Mexican, living in a fifth. To maintain the element of surprise, their identities are under wraps until the show.

“They will bring their own national carols or pieces and also perform others everyone knows. Of the two best-loved English settings of In The Bleak Midwinter, one is by The Planets’ composer, Gustav Holst. In Advent Crown, one guest will unfold something else Christmassy by him few Brits know.

“Whatever the chats uncover, at least one startling revelation is guaranteed. One carol will tell us how English-speaking nations have been rather sniffy about what they deemed suitable Christmas carol material. No giveaways now, except that it’s about imagery, and it’s been run by at least one celebrity singer past millions of English-speakers who never knew . . .

“In non pandemic-tormented times, these IICs guest musicians earn their living on classical instruments or their voice, but they are all-round musical people. Here they will be presenting Christmas music they have jumped at the chance to perform, and are relishing it. So expect some familiar Christmas music in new clothing.

“Advent Crown is named after a particular indoor decoration anticipating Christmas, comprising green foliage or tinsel with five candles or baubles signifying faith (green), hope (blue), love (gold), light and joy (purple) and peace (white). The International Interview Concerts are running a highly informative 12-point countdown to Advent Crown on their Facebook page, with engaging text, pictures and music links.

“It will be is free to watch, on The International Interview Concerts’ own YouTube channel. People may voluntarily donate via gofundme, to support the musicians’ fees and The International Interview Concerts’ normal work in schools and public concerts under its charity umbrella, International Music in Performance and Education (IMPEF).

https://uk.gofundme.com/f/sekzmg-international-interview-concerts

“Advent Crown’s date, December 6, is St Nicholas Day or The Feast of St Nicholas, across most of Europe. It salutes he, the often horse-borne bringer of gifts and the protector of good children – the centuries-old ancestor to our own Father Christmas.

“His arrival appearance is still re-enacted on the streets in many European Countries, where St Nicholas may be accompanied by an angel and a beast-like frightener of naughty children, and this saint day can rival or even equal Christmas Day in seasonal importance.”