Enjoy something new – Thomas Hewitt Jones’ The Shepherd’s Tale – alongside music composed for Bach’s first Christmas in Leipzig, 1723, his large-scale cantata ‘Christen, ätzet diesen Tag’ with festive trumpets, oboes and timpani. And in a very special Christmas treat, Nature File with Anja Murray comes out of hibernation for a Christmas Day special.
Naturefile – Robins
Robins are Ireland’s most common garden bird, abundant everywhere all year round. But unlike other songbirds they sing right through the winter, finding favour because of their seemingly friendly manner. But are robins as friendly as they appear, and how did they become such a symbol of Christmas? This morning we explore how Robins have earned their place on so many Christmas cards.
RTÉ lyric fm, Saturday 25th December, 7am-10am