Rio’s British Society Hosts Annual Christmas Lunch

By Lise Alves, Senior Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The British and Commonwealth Society of Rio de Janeiro (BCS), once again is holding its annual Christmas Lunch, “Musical Journey through Christmas”, this Saturday, December 12th, where guests will not only cherish the delicious dishes prepared by the incomparable French Chef Joel Guerin but will listen to Christmas carols from different countries and different periods of time.

The BCS luncheon feast will include Christmas favorites such as sumptuous roast turkey, mouth-watering stuffing, rich gravy, delicious bread pudding, homemade cranberry sauce, oven-roasted potatoes, select mixed vegetables and “pigs-in-blankets”. For dessert guests will enjoy a traditional English Christmas pudding with classic brandy butter sauce and creamy vanilla ice-cream as well as English Christmas cake. A selection of wines, Prosecco and soft drinks are all included.

To add to the culinary extravaganza, entertainment also expected to be one of the highlights this year with the special show “A musical journey through Christmas”. Performed by English jazz singer Rowena Jameson an accompanied by popular pianist, Gijs Andriessen guests will listen to beautiful medieval English Christmas songs, cheerful 19th century Christmas carols, mystic Irish ballads, American Christmas standards and recent pop favorites. In addition, Martin Hester will lead us through our favorite Christmas caroling around the piano.

A large part of the event is the Christmas raffle which raises money for charity. This year’s BCS Christmas Party proceeds will be donated to Favela Brass, a youth marching band from the Pereirão community in Santa Teresa. Founded by English music teacher and trumpeter, Tom Ashe, the band will also be at hand at the Christmas Lunch for a special presentation.

“The students from the Favela Brass project will be performing a short selection of well-known Brazilian and international music – from “Oh! When the Saints” to “Cidade Maravilhosa”. The childrens’ excitement about the upcoming performance was heightened further by a visit by members of the BCS to the project’s premises in Favela Pereirão,” Ashe told The Rio Times.

What: BCS’s “Musical Journey through Christmas” Lunch & Show
When: Saturday December 12th, 1PM
Where: Jubilee Hall, Real Grandeza 99, Botafogo
Entrance: BCS members: R$75 per person, Non-BCS members: R$100 per person – all inclusive: lunch, drinks and show
Free parking on Premises.
RSVP to Monica at: [email protected]