An English Christmas for the Ages
Folger Consort’s *An English Christmas for the Ages* presents a centuries-spanning celebration of seasonal music at Folger Theatre. The program moves from medieval Yuletide songs and English Christmas carols to festive works associated with the royal courts of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, featuring music by Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. In a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the concert concludes with Christmas anthems by New England composer William Billings.
The performance is presented by the Folger Consort, the Folger Shakespeare Library’s award-winning early music ensemble-in-residence. Founding artistic directors Robert Eisenstein and Christopher Kendall lead the ensemble’s work in medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music. Eisenstein performs on bass viol and has directed more than 200 Folger Consort productions and performances. Kendall founded the ensemble and is also the artistic director and conductor of the 21st Century Consort.
When: Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 20, 2026
Showtimes: December 11 at 8:00 PM; December 12 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; December 13 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; December 16 at 7:30 PM; December 17 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; December 18 at 8:00 PM; December 19 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; and December 20 at 2:00 PM
Venue: Folger Theatre
Tickets: $20–$65. The December 12, 2:00 PM performance is listed from $65; most other bookable performances are listed from $20. The December 13, 7:30 PM performance has limited tickets. The December 16, 7:30 PM and December 17, 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM performances are unavailable.
Ensemble: Folger Consort, with founding artistic directors Robert Eisenstein and Christopher Kendall
Music: Medieval Yuletide songs, English Christmas carols, court music connected with Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, works by Thomas Tallis and William Byrd, and Christmas anthems by William Billings
Pre-concert discussion: Christopher Kendall and Robert Eisenstein join guest artists for a discussion from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM before the December 11, December 12, December 18, and December 19 performances. Entry is free for concert ticket holders.
Age restriction: Children under 4 are not permitted.
Run time: Not specified on the page.
Additional information: The concert is part of Folger Frost Fair, and the page notes that tickets may be purchased as part of a package or subscription.