Spitalfields Music Festival online

From Schubert to Stevie Wonder; Bessie Smith to Stormzy. From a lullaby to a psalm; from a plainchant to a sea shanty – songs are at the centre of human expression, and have been so important to us during this challenging year. That's Spitalfields Music Festival's take on the consoling human voice, and song is at the heart of this year's event, performed exclusively online.

The festival is a winter high spot on the ever-changing Spitalfields scene, and this year's online-only event promises the same energy and inclusiveness, with all types of musical genres rubbing shoulders, but always with the highest standard of performance.

Composer Errollyn Wallen will be sending Five Postcards, musical snapshots from life, with help from singer Katie Melua in Song Club

Composer Errolyn Wallen

The Dunedin Consort go back in time to the heart-felt music of Monteverdi, Schutz and Barbara Strozzi in Lagrime mie: Songs of Prayer and Solitude. These Baroque masterpieces will be sung in the inspiring architecture of Nicholas Hawksmoor's Christ Church, Spitalfields, home of the festival, launched 44 years ago.

Look out too for Fast Food, Fast Music, a seasonal recipe of flavour and sound, a walking tour of east London with musical stops including Amanda Aldridge's Three Arabian Dances, and a fresh look at black heritage with the help of Chineke! Junior Orchestra.

The festival sounds like the perfect companion to a day of Christmas preparations. Bring your own mince pie.

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Spitalfields Music Festival runs throughout the day on Saturday 5 December, from 3PM to 10PM. A single online ticket buys access to all events. Click here to subscribe and view.