“Jingle all the way . . .” with our Birmingham music family: CBSO Chorus, CBSO Children’s Chorus, CBSO Young Voices and of course our very own City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

There was something for everyone in the packed hall; listening with delighted interest and also contributing to familiar carols with lusty voices. A great way to begin the run-in to Christmas.

We were treated to a huge span of styles from 14th century Latin to home-grown CBSO composers charming us with Stable Carol (Beresford King-Smith) and violist Eugene Popescu’s Joy of All Earth memorised by the Children’s Chorus.

TV personality Sue Perkins presented the evening with wit and imaginative readings, adding greatly to the relaxed atmosphere. Her big moment came when, with baton in hand, she obviously enjoyed conducting the all-time favourite Sleigh Ride fronted by smiling instrumentalists dressed in every kind of festive head-gear, proving that the orchestra can also join in the fun!

Inspired by conductor Simon Halsey, singers excelled with a huge variety of offerings from a mind teasing In Dulci Jubilo for Young Voices over a strangely insistent repeated bass, to a challenging new accompaniment to God Rest Ye . . . but the audience never faltered.

Special mention for colourful percussion bringing out many ‘toys’: sleigh bells, whip crack, pop gun, tubular bells, whistles, ‘horse’s hooves’ etc. alongside the usual battery and full drum kit. Earth-shaking organ added to brilliant brass, full orchestra and all voices, then out into wintery weather, smiling and happy.

Repeated today (December 22, 7.30pm) and tomorrow (December 23, 3pm and 7.30pm). All details on 0121 780 3333.