REVIEW: London Concertante ~ Christmas at the movies

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

London Concertante blends festive nostalgia with warm, engaging performances.

London Concertante’s Christmas at the Movies brought together a comforting mix of familiar Christmas film music and steady, confident playing from the ensemble.

With pieces from White Christmas, Love Actually, Home Alone, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life, the concert leaned heavily into the nostalgia that draws audiences to these films year after year.

Before the show, some of the musicians spoke about what they hoped the audience would take away.

One performer said they wanted listeners to feel “that amazing energy… and the shared memories that people have from different films,” adding that so many Christmas themes “bring wonderful festive memories” with them.

Another hoped the audience would “relax and get into a really festive mood.”

One musician reflected on why these films resonate at all: “For me, Christmas was a really magical time… it connects me to that feeling of being safe, that feeling of being home.”

On stage, the group delivered a warm, well-blended sound. The gentler, sentimental moments were soft and smooth, while the brighter pieces had a clear sense of fun. The arrangements stuck closely to the originals, which at times made the programme feel predictable, but it suited the mood of the evening.

Audience members were enthusiastic throughout. One returning listener said they came back “because I enjoyed them so much before,” and afterwards people described the concert as “absolutely wonderful” and “just like the sounds from the cinema.”

Overall, with ticket prices between £21 and £46, Christmas at the Movies offered a cosy, enjoyable seasonal night out.