Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 14, 2025, because you won’t want to miss the eclectic mix of stories, poetry, and music on Sunday Miscellany. But here’s where it gets intriguing: to dive into this rich experience, you’ll need to disable any ad blockers or whitelist RTÉ.ie—a small step that unlocks a world of creativity. And this is the part most people miss: the lineup is a treasure trove of diverse voices and genres, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
Kicking things off is Victoria White with Fanny Alexander, followed by Seán O'Gorman’s Skerries Solstice. Lisa McInerney brings a festive twist with Christmas Cheese, while Jim Maguire serves up a hearty dose of nostalgia in Pork Chops, Peas, Chips, Tea, Bread and Butter. The late Judith Mok honors tradition with Hannukah, and Denise Blake and James Harpur share poignant poems, Gratitude and The Deer of Light, respectively.
Now, let’s talk music—because this is where it gets controversial. From the timeless hymn Once in Royal David’s City by Cecil Francis Alexander, performed by Voces 8, to Steve Cooney’s haunting Éiridh Na Gréine, the playlist spans centuries and cultures. Cormac Kenevey teams up with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra for a lush rendition of A Winter’s Tale, while Wham!’s Last Christmas brings a pop nostalgia that divides opinions—do you love it or loathe it? And here’s a bold question: does Umm Kulthum’s Alf Leila wa Leila belong in a winter lineup? Let us know in the comments.
Closing the show is Conor Linehan’s serene performance of John Field’s Nocturne No. 5—a perfect way to end the evening. But before you tune in, remember: disabling that ad blocker isn’t just a technicality; it’s your ticket to this unique cultural journey. So, what’s your take? Is this lineup a harmonious blend or a daring mismatch? Share your thoughts below!
