This Christmas, Sempre Amabile presents a rich and thoughtfully woven programme of music celebrating both the season and the many facets of the human experience. Alongside beautiful sacred works by John Rutter and Benjamin Britten, audiences will enjoy timeless favourites from the American Songbook, bringing warmth, nostalgia and sparkle to the festive season.

The programme also features carefully curated sacred and secular music reflecting life from a woman’s perspective — music of joy, strength, tenderness, hope and reflection — performed with the signature warmth and musical sensitivity for which Sempre Amabile is known.

Full programme TBC.

Artists: Sempre Amabile, choir

Sempre Amabile, choir
Founded in 2018, Sempre Amabile is a women’s choir based in Kendal, formed largely by former members of the Amabile Choirs family. The choir shares a love of choral singing of a high standard, enjoying concerts, competitions and the companionship that comes from making music together.

In October 2025, Sempre Amabile enjoyed considerable success at the Isle of Man Festival of Choirs, winning the Ladies’ Choir class, the Open Category and the overall Choir of the Festival award. The choir is also very pleased to have been accepted to take part in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in July 2026.

Recent collaborations have included performances with Solway Singers, and the choir is looking forward to singing with Bechgyn Bro Taf, the Cardiff-based male voice choir.

Sempre Amabile enjoys singing music from a wide range of styles and periods, from madrigals to musical theatre. At the heart of the choir’s music-making is a love of the relationship between words and music, and a desire to communicate both clearly and honestly to an audience. The choir particularly enjoys exploring the colour and flexibility of its sound in response to different repertoire.

Charlotte Jackson, musical director
Charlotte Jackson has made a significant contribution to choral music through her work as founder of Amabile Choirs, Musical Director of Sempre Amabile and founder of Lyris for Women in Carlisle. Having stepped away from teaching singing in schools, her focus is now on directing Sempre Amabile, shaping the Senior Choir at Austin Friars School and developing her work with women’s voices through Lyris. This includes individual consultations, small group online sessions and her women’s choir. Her work is rooted in a commitment to musical excellence, alongside a belief in the importance of connection and shared experience in singing. Under her direction, Sempre Amabile has become known for its thoughtful programming and finely shaped performances, while the Amabile Choirs have provided a supportive and structured environment for young singers to develop. Charlotte works with both experienced singers and those returning to their voices, creating a space that is both musically rigorous and warmly inclusive. Her work continues to centre on the development of the individual voice within the collective sound and on the lasting value of singing together.

David Battersby, pianist
David Battersby is a distinguished accompanist known for his exceptional talent and dedication to the art of music. Having honed his skills at the prestigious London College of Music and the Royal College of Music, he has garnered numerous accolades, awards, and bursaries throughout his illustrious career. Under the tutelage of Martino Trimiro at Morley College, David further refined his craft, enabling him to perform at major musical venues across the country. His upcoming schedule includes a performance at Classically Lowther in July 2026, and he is in high demand as an accompanist for soloists and ensembles across the North West. David’s contributions to the Amabile Choirs exemplify his commitment to excellence in music and his ability to elevate every performance with his artistry.