SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity will hold its annual carol concert on Wednesday 4 December 2024 at The Guards’ Chapel Wellington Barracks in London.
In most years, SSAFA has the privilege of one expert or otherwise incredibly talented person taking part to give one of the readings, recite a poem, or to sing.
This year, in addition to actress Hermione Norris and astronaut Tim Peake, who will be giving readings, award-winning mezzo-soprano Friederike Krum will lend her immense vocal talents and eclectic repertoire that swings from classical to contemporary to jazz to the concert.
Friederike – from Germany, but based in London – has sung with Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Montserrat Caballé, Neil Shicoff, Agnes Baltsa, and Russell Watson, and is no stranger to festive performances.
In 2020 the legendary Nile Rodgers asked her to perform alongside Sir Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Tony Bennett, and Katherine Jenkins at a Christmas concert which was streamed globally. But more than this, and perhaps appropriately for Christmas and for the military family, Friederike has become the “Voice of Reconciliation” as a German soprano chosen to sing regularly for the British and German Forces. In November 2018, she performed at the official classical WW1 Centenary Remembrance concert at the Cathedral of Berlin, and sang at the NATO camp in Afghanistan in 2014. She was appointed ambassador of the Irish Guards Charity in 2023.
Her connection to The Royal Family – His Majesty King Charles III is SSAFA’s Patron and HRH Prince Michael of Kent its President – is extensive.
After the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friederike was invited to GB News during the Vigil of the Princes to discuss long-standing Anglo-German relationships and all things Royal music, She has also sung the National Anthem in the presence of His Majesty, HRH The Prince of Wales, and HRH The Princess Royal.
Explaining her reasons for taking part in SSAFA’s carol concert, Friederike said:
“SSAFA’s work is known across the United Kingdom and in my home country of Germany, as well as many other locations across the globe.
“I’m proud to be performing at this concert, proud that my contribution to SSAFA will help serving and former members of UK Armed Forces, and their families, during whatever challenges they might face, and with SSAFA’s support let them know they’ll never battle alone.“
The SSAFA carol concert will begin at 7pm. As well as readings and seasonal poetry from Tim and Hermione, and Friederike’s performance, soprano Sofia Kirwan-Baez, the Band of the Scots Guards and the Chapel Choir will also take part. It will end around 8pm. A reception in the Officers’ Mess will continue until around 10pm.
Tickets for this exclusive and ever-popular event range from £40 to £150. For more details and to reserve your tickets, visit ssafa.org.uk/support-us/events/concert/ssafa-christmas-carol-concert-2024.
The Guards’ Chapel Wellington Barracks is on Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London. Doors open at 6pm with all to be seated by 6.30pm.
