Grand Christmas Concert (San Paolo entro le Mura)

A Christmas concert in the heart of Rome

The Grand Christmas Concert is the festive event that has been bringing the Church of San Paolo entro le Mura in Rome to life for several years. Located in the capital's metropolitan area within the Lazio region, the series is produced by Opera in Roma, a concert organization that schedules musical seasons in some of the most evocative historic venues in the city.

The building hosting the concert is no ordinary church: consecrated in 1873, San Paolo entro le Mura was the first non-Catholic temple built within the walls of Rome. Its neo-Gothic naves, mosaics by Edward Burne-Jones, and acoustics particularly well-suited for choral singing have made it one of the most sought-after venues for classical and sacred music in the city. Its location along Via Nazionale, just a short walk from Piazza della Repubblica and the Castro Pretorio district, makes it easily accessible even for those visiting Rome for just a few days during the holidays.

A program of carols, gospel, and Baroque

The formula of the Grand Christmas Concert is well-established: a journey that alternates the most beloved carols of the Anglo-Saxon tradition with the energetic notes of Christmas gospel, all framed by the masterpieces of the Italian Baroque. The instrumental centerpiece is the famous Concerto in G minor «fatto per la notte di Natale» by Arcangelo Corelli, which in recent editions has been joined by Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto in C major for two trumpets.

• Carols: «O Holy Night», «Silent Night», «Jingle Bells», and other classics of the European and North American tradition;
• Gospel: rousing tracks like «Go Tell It on the Mountain», performed by the full vocal ensemble;
• Baroque: Corelli and Vivaldi, with the orchestra in a chamber ensemble format;
• Italian tradition: pastorals and Christmas songs from the peninsula.

The performers

The stage features the Coro da Camera Italiano, the Ensemble Vocale ResAltera, and the St. Paul Orchestra, the church's resident ensemble. In recent years, the conducting has been entrusted to maestro Stefano Vasselli (2025 edition) and previously to Pier Paolo Cascioli (2024 edition). Soloists have included soprano Rhonda AbouHana, soprano Sarah D'Angelo, and baritone Andrea D'Amelio.

What to expect

More than a large public event, the Grand Christmas Concert is an intimate experience: the church has a limited capacity, the audience is just a few meters from the performers, and the warm light of the mosaics helps create a cozy atmosphere. It is a particularly recommended choice for those spending the holidays in Rome who are looking for a sophisticated alternative to markets and light displays, as well as for families: the repertoire is accessible, recognizable, and suitable even for those who do not regularly attend concert halls.

Christmas in Rome around the concert

Its location on Via Nazionale makes it easy to include the concert in a day of sightseeing: within a few minutes' walk, you will find the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, the Trevi Fountain, and the Quirinal Palace, all particularly beautiful in their Christmas attire. During the same weeks, the capital offers nativity scenes, markets, and concerts in the basilicas, but San Paolo entro le Mura remains a unique destination, especially appreciated by international visitors who find the songs of their own Christmas tradition here.

2026 Edition

As of today, Opera in Roma has not yet released the official calendar for the December 2026 edition. Based on the documented 2024 and 2025 editions, the event is expected in the days immediately preceding Christmas, with two evening performances. We recommend checking dates and availability on the organizer's website before planning your trip.