Christmas Piano by Candlelight: Moonlight Sonata

Sorry you are too late, this event has been and gone!

Enjoy Beethoven's iconic and haunting masterpiece performed alongside festive piano classics in the atmospheric candlelit St Vincent's Chapel on 23rd December!

About Christmas Piano by Candlelight: Moonlight Sonata

Listed Under Christmas Events / Music Events / Family and Kids Events / Nights Out Events

Following their 5***** and sold-out show in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe,

"Matthew Shiel has ‘composed’ a most enchanting concert, relating amusing, enlightening stories to introduce each piece; his eloquent performance expresses a dramatic, emotional mood from sad and sorrowful to light-hearted and lyrical, oozing a joyful sense of romantic love." (5***** Edinburgh Guide)

"A ripping good yarn. Sim and Shiel both are masters of their crafts." (5***** Binge Fringe Magazine)

"Matthew Shiel shone" (4**** Three Weeks)

Moonlight Concert Productions have imagined a Christmas show inspired by Beethoven's timeless Moonlight Sonata, Tchaikovsky's Christmas ballet The Nutcracker, Christmas stories and our great British tradition of Christmas carolling.

Celebrate the Christmas season in style this December with classic festive pieces by Debussy, Liszt, Tchaikovsky alongside Howard Blake's uplifting film music from the award-winning animation film 'The Snowman' alongside jazz improv upon favourite Christmas carols – performed by atmospheric candlelight in our special candlelit chapel.

This is accompanied by a digital art exhibition designed by acclaimed Chinese artist and Disney illustrator Emma Yitong Shen – inspired by silent Christmas films such as the original A Christmas Carol (1910) and Santa Claus (1898) - the oldest Christmas movie ever made!

PROGRAMME:

Ave Maria - Schubert (arranged for piano by Franz Liszt)

Sonata quasi una fantasia (Op.27, Nr.2) - 'Moonlight Sonata' - Beethoven

The Nutcracker Suite (Op. 71) - Tchaikovsky

Film music from 'The Snowman' (including 'Walking in the Air') - Howard Blake

and Jazz improv after Christmas carols including: Good King Wenceslas, O come all ye faithful, Silent Night and more

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!

Other Events at St Vincents Chapel Edinburgh

Music

A Burns Night Hootenanny - ‘Tam O’ Shanter’

24th January 2026

St Vincents Chapel Edinburgh, Stockbridge and Canonmills

Celebrate Burns Night in style with a dramatic reciting of Tam O'Shanter alongside the best Scottish folk music at St Vincent's Chapel Edinburgh!

Similar events you might like...

Royal Mile Chamber Music Series

Selected dates between 22nd September 2025 - 20th July 2026

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Old Town

The Edinburgh Royal Mile Chamber Music Series returns to St Giles, Cathedral for its second season, following a widely acclaimed launch.

Story Platform

Selected dates between 31st October 2025 - 27th March 2026

The Gilded Saloon, Edinburgh South

Story Platform is a monthly live event at The Gilded Saloon, created to uplift Scottish writers and performers through stand up, music, sketch comedy, and more!

Winter Wellbeing Challenge

Selected dates between 10th November 2025 - 7th March 2026

Riddles Court, Edinburgh Old Town

As winter begins, the wonderful folk at SHBT are inviting you to take part in a monthly activity in the beautiful Historic Building Riddles Court, just off the Royal Mile.

Chopin & Champagne by Candlelight

Selected dates between 15th November 2025 - 20th June 2026

St Marys Episcopal Cathedral Edinburgh, Edinburgh West

Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Mary's Cathedral, that perfectly complements the romantic brilliance of Chopin's music.

The Legends of American Country Show

8th January 2026

Reconnect Howden Park, Livingston

Europe's No 1 Hot County TVs award winning Country music show, "The Legends of American Country" return to the Howden Park Centre for a fantastic night of toe tapping Country classics!

The Rolling Stones Story

10th January 2026

Usher Hall, Edinburgh West

The Rolling Stones Story promises you an unforgettable Jumpin’ Jack Flash back in time. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll, but we like it!

Southside of the Tracks

10th January 2026

The Queens Hall Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

John McCusker, Scotland’s foremost fiddle player, gathers a who’s who of singer songwriters and traditional musicians for one night only on The Queen’s Hall stage.

Candlelight: Coldplay and Ed Sheeran

Selected dates between 10th January 2026 - 27th February 2026

St Marys Episcopal Cathedral Edinburgh, Edinburgh West

Get your tickets now and discover the music of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh under the gentle glow of candlelight!

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA

Selected dates between 10th January 2026 - 10th April 2026

St Marys Episcopal Cathedral Edinburgh, Edinburgh West

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations... discover the music of Queen vs. ABBA at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral!