By Özgür Selvi Tasdan (photography by Andreas Zachow)
As winter cold settled over Munich, ESME e.V. welcomed audiences to the Münchner Künstlerhaus am Lenbachplatz for an unforgettable winter concert: A Very Wicked Christmas. Blending classical masterpieces, beloved Christmas music, folk, jazz, and Broadway favourites, the evening truly captured the spirit of the season, with a slightly wicked twist.
Under the inspiring direction of Julia Chalfin (Singers), Prof. Dr. M. Orhan Ahıskal (Orchestra), and Davy Kazan (Resident Alien Big Band), ESME’s three ensembles came together to present a rich and diverse programme.
From the very first moment, the concert set itself apart: As the lights dimmed, the singers entered the hall one by one, carrying softly glowing candles in their palms. Surrounded by soft candlelight and voices rising from within the hall, the audience were immediately drawn into Evening Rise, a traditional native American folk song. Many later described this opening as magical, creating a feeling of surprise and togetherness. The first part of the concert continued with choral works such as Abendlied, Come to the Music, and For Good, from the Broadway musical “Wicked”.
Following the Singers’ performance, the Orchestra took the stage without pause, launching directly into selections from Handel’s ”Music for the Royal Fireworks”. The majestic overture filled the hall with ceremonial brilliance, while La Réjouissance brought a sense of joyful celebration that was instantly felt by the audience. The concluding Menuets added elegance and lightness, carrying listeners effortlessly into a feeling of festive warmth.
Handel’s ”Messiah”, performed by the combined forces of the ESME Orchestra and Singers, was one the highlights of evening. From the jubilant energy of For unto us a child is born to the dramatic contrast of several recitatives and arias, the performance unfolded with clarity and emotional depth. The soloists — Julia Chalfin (soprano), Victor Galea (tenor), and John Fitzgerald (bass) — brought expressive nuance to their performances, complementing the powerful choral moments. This section of the concert culminated in the Hallelujah Chorus, which filled the hall with a sense of shared celebration.
After an interval, the Resident Alien Big Band brought an unmistakable festive energy to the next part of the evening. From the charm of Santa Baby to the nostalgic elegance of Save the Last Dance and Almost Like Being in Love, the band guided the audience through timeless classics with style and flair. Seasonal favourites such as (There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays and Frosty the Snowman sparked smiles and gentle toe-tapping throughout the room, while Cold December Night added a modern glow to the programme. This section concluded with a spirited rendition of the song Popular from ”Wicked”, blending Broadway sparkle with big band brilliance and perfectly setting the stage for the concert’s grand finale the exciting Defying Gravity from ”Wicked”, which brought together the ESME Orchestra and the Resident Alien Big Band in a powerful joint performance. The rich orchestral sound combined with the energy of the band created a perfect ending full of momentum and emotion.
But it was not only the music that made the evening truly special, but also the strong sense of community on stage and in the hall. With performers from over 30 countries and an audience full of friends, family and faithful fans, ”A Very Wicked Christmas” reminded us that ESME concerts are about more than performances — they are about shared moments.
If you enjoyed this concert, we would love to welcome you again soon. Be sure to visit our website and follow us on social media in order to stay up to date with future ESME events.
Upcoming performances:
Big Band Live Karaoke
7 March 2026
Kultur Neue Ziegelei
ESME Spring Showcase
25 April 2026
Einstein Kultur
ESME Summer Concert
5 July 2026
Kulturzentrum Trudering
