Imagine kicking off the holiday season with a dazzling array of heartfelt stories and enchanting melodies that capture the spirit of Christmas in ways that might just surprise you—welcome to an unforgettable episode of RTÉ's Sunday Miscellany, airing on this very unusual Thursday, December 25th, 2025. But here's where it gets intriguing: how do these timeless tunes and tales blend tradition with a fresh twist, making you rethink what the holidays truly mean? Dive in as we explore Part 2 of our recent Miscellany concert, featuring the renowned RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and discover why this lineup could spark endless debates about the evolution of festive music. For those tuning in via RTÉ.ie for radio or podcasts, a quick heads-up: to avoid any interruptions, you'll want to turn off ad-blocking tools or add this site to your whitelist. It's a small step that ensures a seamless, ad-free experience straight from Ireland's broadcasting gem—think of it as the digital equivalent of clearing the mist off a frosty windowpane to let the warmth in.
First up, let's turn the spotlight on the fresh literary contributions that add a layer of narrative magic to this holiday special. 'The Clearout' by Eithne Shortall invites us to ponder the act of decluttering not just our homes, but our hearts and minds during the festive rush—perhaps reflecting on those forgotten items that symbolize past joys or burdens, much like sorting through old ornaments that bring back waves of nostalgia. Then, 'Palestrina in Rome' by Joseph O'Connor transports us to the historic streets of Renaissance Italy, where the composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina's genius shaped sacred music; it's a story that beginners might appreciate as a gentle introduction to how classical roots influence modern celebrations, evoking the grandeur of ancient choirs in a way that feels alive and relevant today. John Toal's 'All I Want for Christmas' takes a whimsical, personal spin on holiday desires, reminding us that the best gifts aren't always under the tree—maybe a quiet evening with loved ones or an unexpected act of kindness, which ties into that universal quest for simple joys amid the chaos. Quentin Fottrell's 'Unexpected Gifts' explores the surprises that life throws our way, like a plot twist in a holiday movie, encouraging us to embrace the unforeseen with open arms. And for a poetic interlude, Rachael Hegarty's 'Saint Nick’s in the Liberties'—drawn from a previous Miscellany Live at the NCH—paints a vivid, rhythmic picture of Dublin's Liberties district transformed by the jolly figure, blending folklore with urban charm in verses that dance like snowflakes. Chikere Ohoka's 'Christmas Light, Irish Time' delves into the unique rhythm of Irish festivities, where time seems to stretch and contract, highlighting cultural nuances that might make you question: Is Christmas really about rushing, or savoring those slow, reflective moments?
Now, and this is the part most people miss, the musical selections elevate the whole experience into something truly symphonic. Kicking off with Joni Mitchell’s 'River,' reimagined by arranger Michael Keeney and brought to life by the soulful Lisa Lambe alongside the RTÉ Concert Orchestra—it's a haunting exploration of longing and renewal, like a river carving its path through winter's quiet, perfect for those introspective holiday evenings when you're contemplating the year ahead. Following that, the Palestrina Choir, under the expert direction of Blánaid Murphy, delivers Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina's 'Alla Riva del Tebro,' a Renaissance gem that echoes the Tiber River's flow in Rome; for newcomers, think of it as a bridge between ancient hymns and modern ears, where polyphonic harmonies create a tapestry of sound that could inspire a debate on whether classical music belongs in every Christmas playlist. Naomi Berrill's original 'Sparkling Sea,' composed and performed by her with clarinetist Matthew Berrill, and orchestrated by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, captures the shimmering beauty of coastal waves—imagine the sound of the ocean meeting festive lights, a contemporary piece that subtly nods to Ireland's maritime heritage, perhaps sparking thoughts on how new compositions can refresh old traditions without losing their essence.
But here's where it gets controversial: George Michael’s 'Last Christmas,' reworked by Andy O’Callaghan and performed by Lisa Lambe with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra under conductor Gavin Maloney, is a pop classic that some might argue dilutes the 'pure' holiday spirit with its catchy, upbeat vibe—yet isn't that blend of nostalgia and modernity what makes the season so inclusive? And to wrap it up with a nod to past performances, 'The Wexford Carol,' arranged by Damien Gallagher and sung by Sarah Shine with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by David Brophy, from a memorable Miscellany Live at the Wexford Opera House, brings forth the enchanting Irish folk melody that whispers of ancient Yuletide tales; it's a reminder that regional songs can unite us, but could they also divide opinions on what 'authentic' Christmas music really entails?
As we revisit these performances in this episode—River with Lisa Lambe and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra; Alla Riva del Tebro by the Palestrina Choir directed by Blánaid Murphy; The Sparkling Sea featuring Naomi Berrill on vocals, Matthew Berrill on clarinet, and the orchestra; Last Christmas with Lisa Lambe and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra; and The Wexford Carol by Sarah Shine with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra under David Brophy—we invite you to reflect on how this fusion of voices and instruments mirrors the holiday's diversity. Is it revolutionary to mix centuries-old hymns with contemporary hits, or does it risk watering down cultural purity? We'd love to hear your take—do you agree that this eclectic approach enriches the season, or do you prefer sticking to traditional carols? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!
