Anthony Burton introduces Radio 3's unique celebration of Christmas across Europe, which brings together musical cultures from nine different countries. The programmes are co-ordinated by the European Broadcasting Union.
Czech Republic Live from Prague's magnificent concert hall the Rudolfinium, a rare chance to hearthe Pastoral Mass by 18th-century Czech composer Jakub Jan Ryba performed by the Kuhn Mixed Chorus, director Pavel Kuhn , and the Prague RSO, conducted by Ondrej Kukal.
1.45 Finland A sequence of traditional Finnish carols and seasonal songs.
Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Tallari Folk Ensemble, directorTimo Nuoranne
2.00 Norway A different look at Christmas in northern Europe, with a live concert of orchestral music imbued with the spirit of Scandinavia. Including the Romance for violin and strings by Johan Svendsen , and the Norsk Rhapsody by Johan Halvorsen. Marianne Thorsen (violin), Norwegian Radio Orchestra/Terje Boye Hansen
3.00 Latvia A live recital of music performed byTalivaldis Deksnis on one of the most impressive of Europe's historic organs, in the Cathedral of St Mary, Riga. Music includes Bach's canonic variations on the chorale Von Himmel Hoch Da Komm Ich
Herand Dieu parmi Nous from Messiaen's La Nativite du Seigneur.
4.00 Greenland Live from the coastal city of Nuuk. One of the most unusual concerts of the day, juxtaposing contemporary music with traditional dances and Eskimo drum songs. Performers include the Nuuk Pro Musica Chamber Ensemble, Nuuk
Accordion Ensemble and the Nuuk City
Orchestra, directors Storch Lynge and Hans Holmelund.
5.00 United Kingdom The BBC's own contribution to this day of Christmas across Europe includes Respighi's
Journey of the Magi (Botticelli Pictures), Strauss's Die Heiligen Drei Konige aus Morgenlandanti Winterweihe and Honegger's Cantate de Noel performed by the BBC Singers, the Choristers of King's College, Cambridge, and the BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Stephen Cleobury.
6.00 Germany Live from the Markuskirche. Munich. Festive choral music by Schutz, including one of his Magnificat settings and the Christmas story Weinachtshistorie. See also tonight at 11.45pm
SOUNDING THE CENTURY