Christmas Music

The Cathedral Foundation (1980s–1990s)

Jools's musical roots are steeped in the English cathedral tradition. As a St Paul's Cathedral chorister and later as a choral scholar, he performed under renowned musicians and absorbed a repertoire that defines the Christmas season for millions: carols, anthems, and timeless choral works that carry centuries of meaning.

• Performed alongside distinguished artists including Evelyn Glennie and Sir Simon Rattle
• Traditional solo in Once in Royal David's City (Midnight Mass, 1992)
• Formal composition training at the Royal Academy of Music

Professional Christmas Compositions (2010s–2020s)

“And There Was Light” — Christmas Oratorio (2016)

Commissioned by Bath Abbey Music Society for their Christmas Carol Concert, this large-scale oratorio for narrator, treble and soprano choirs, trumpets, percussion, harp, piano and strings traces the arc from Creation through the Nativity to Simeon's Nunc Dimittis. It weaves beloved carols with new music, connecting living tradition to contemporary audiences.

• For narrator, 3-part treble choir, 3-part soprano choir
• Two trumpets, percussion, harp, piano, string quintet
• Premiered at Bath Abbey; libretto by Sue Curtis; directed by Shean Bowers

Christmas Carols with Sue Curtis

Alongside larger works, Jools has written a host of Christmas carols with librettist Sue Curtis for children’s choirs and SATB. Selected titles (sheet music links):

• Nativity Carol — Children’s Choir (2‑voice)
• Come to the Crib — Children’s Choir (2‑voice)
• Sing the Glory — Children’s Choir (2‑voice)
• Nativity (SATB, unaccompanied)

Jools was also the 1997 winner of the Bach Choir Christmas Carol Competition with So Long Ago One Christmas Morn, later published by the RSCM and performed by The Bach Choir at the Royal Albert Hall, conducted by the late Sir David Willcocks.

Collaborative Christmas Music (2009–Present)

The Golden Eggs — Fireside Carols (2010)

A warm, acoustic collection of traditional carols arranged for intimate listening by The Golden Eggs. Featuring long-term collaborator Beth Porter (cello, vocals) alongside Jools Scott (piano, arrangements).

Listen in full on Bandcamp. Released October 20, 2010.

"What I love about this CD is the cozy atmosphere. It is like going to a friend's house and listening to him and other friends playing and singing. And there were some songs I didn't know... The arrangements are very appealing, the singing quality could be better, but you immediately notice that their strong part are the instruments. All in all a very enjoyable album for the Christmas season. Favorite track: The Twelve Days of Christmas."

Featured collaborators

• Jools Scott — piano, arrangements
• Beth Porter — cello, vocals; session credits include The Proclaimers, Petula Clark, Newton Faulkner; fellow projects include The Bookshop Band and Marshes

Musicians & credits

• Jools Scott - Piano, Glockenspiel, Vocals
• Beth Porter - Cello, Vocals
• Graeme Smith - Vocals
• Tim Petherick - Guitar, Vocals
• Pete Gibbs - Double Bass, Vocals
• Nick Malcolm - Trumpet, Vocals

• Arrangements by Jools Scott & Beth Porter
• Engineered by Tim Petherick
• Produced by Tim Petherick, Jools Scott & Beth Porter

Follow The Golden Eggs on Twitter. Album cover photo by orchidgalore (Flickr).

Hear more: joolsscott.co.uk, bethporter.co.uk, and The Mandibles on MySpace.

Beth Porter — Last Christmas (2014)

Recorded in 2014 at The Bookshop Band's then home, a manor house outside Bristol. A modern classic reimagined for voice and cello with a lyrical, intimate arrangement that showcases a long-standing musical partnership.

Nuala Honan & Jools Scott - The Bell Bath Christmas Bash (2016)

Nuala Honan and Jools Scott; Beth Porter and Friends; The Bell Bath Christmas Bash 2016. This annual Christmas lunch time gathering at this great pub is one of the loveliest gigs one can imagine.

Recorded/released version (2020): watch on YouTube.

Solo Christmas Piano Works (2019)

The Wrong Piano — The Most Relaxing Christmas Album Ever

Familiar melodies transformed into a gentle, contemplative piano journey. Designed to bring calm and warmth while you drive home for Christmas, prepare dinner, or unwind with family.

From Performance to Product: The Just Christmas Cards Connection

Our experience across cathedral choirs, concert halls, studios and digital platforms directly informs how we design festive tools and templates. We prioritize clarity, accessibility and genuine seasonal atmosphere—so your messages, photos and music-forward celebrations feel truly at home.

• Explore designs: Browse Christmas cards
• Get organized: Secret Santa Generator
• Handy tools: Gift Wrapping Calculator

Media embeds courtesy of YouTube and Bandcamp. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.