Christmas is a universal celebration, but each culture dresses it in its own musical colours. In our part of the world, Christmas carols often evoke gentleness and serenity: tender lullabies, solemn hymns and lively dances weave the sonorous fabric of our winter evenings. These timeless melodies resonate within us from childhood onwards, crossing generations and perpetuating the magic and emotion of this festive season.

When these traditional tunes are turned into concert pieces, they take on...