7.00pm, Friday 13 December
5.00pm, Sunday 15 December

An evening of uplifting Christmas music from around the world. From Medieval carols to classic Yuletide songs and traditional Nativity hymns, this concert features the sublime sounds of Luminescence Chamber Singers with internationally acclaimed organ virtuoso Thomas Heywood, and the angelic strains of Luminescence Children’s Choir, bundled into one heavenly hour. Directed by Roland Peelman.

2.00pm, Saturday 14 December

Experience the brilliance of Australia’s most acclaimed concert organist, Thomas Heywood, in an exclusive recital for A Luminous Christmas. Performing festive gems of the organ repertoire, this is a rare and unmissable opportunity to hear a master of this mighty instrument.

6.30pm, Saturday 14 December

A world premiere that rings out around the globe! Commissioned by Luminescence Children’s Choir together with choirs in Perth, Estonia, and Belgium, Andrew Ford’s new Christmas cycle is one for our time. Accompanied by Melbourne sensation Theo Carbo (electric guitar), this major new work aims to bring joy to all the children singing it for the first time this year, and all the children who will Sing The Birth in years to come. 

Before this milestone premiere, members of Luminescence Chamber Singers join Thomas Heywood (organ) Roland Peelman and Valdas Cameron (percussion) to sing of another miraculous birth, in Arvo Pärt's 'Sarah was 90 Years Old'.

I Sing The Birth is co-commissioned in collaboration with the Flanders Boys Choir, Estonian Girls’ TV and Radio Choir, and the Schola Cantorum of St Aquinas College. Supported by Helen Moore AM, and the APRA AMCOS Art Music Fund 2023. 

9.30pm, Saturday 14 December

From Mariah Carey to Wham, Luminescence’s own Rachel Mink brings her high-powered vocals and a uniquely entertaining twist to this Christmas classics-turned-cabaret. After the musical feast, loosen up your paper hat and let your hair down as Luminescence indulges in Christmas at its trashy, tinselled best.

This event will be held at Smith's Alternative, and is restricted to 18+.