The Christmas Project is an exciting international band led by recording artist and an internationally touring Dutch jazz vocalist, Henk Kraaijeveld , and pianist Jan Willem van Delft, recording artist and well established in the gospel and jazz scene in the Netherlands.
Featuring many well known Christmas tunes , the arrangements also combine musical styles from all over the world, and brings together Henk and Jan’s love for jazz, gospel, vocal polyphony and Christmas music!
The band also features UK vocalist Claire Wheeler, a renowned composer, arranger, singer, and educator who has toured with the five-time Grammy-winning vocal group The Swingles and whose impressive performing career includes collaborations with artists like Jamie Cullum, Labrinth, and Jacob Collier, and appearances on TV and radio programs such as Pitch Battle and The Choir.
Also featuring one of the UK’s most in-demand jazz drummers, Steve Brown, with local jazz anchor Marianne Windham completing the line-up on double bass.
It’s been said many times before: music connects people all over the world and Christmas is THE time of the year that brings people together all over the world.
“We grew up with this tradition and love to connect with people from various cultural and musical backgrounds. Through these elements we believe we become more human. Among the great treasure of songs we selected the ones that speak to us most through their joyful melodies and comforting lyrics. And gave them a little twist here and there.”
Listen here: https://youtu.be/MAglSNjOZms?si=--vCFcKmqa_x4PwH
Please book soon to avoid disappointment
EVENT INFO
The performance is at St John’s Church, Farncombe, Godalming GU7 3EJ
Please note there are no physical tickets, just give your name on the door when you arrive. There’ll be seating reserved for you.
Doors open from 7.15pm, and the performance starts at 8pm.
Licensed bar available beforehand and at the interval
If you have any questions please contact us by emailing info@guildfordjazz.org.uk
TICKETS
General admission £20
Guildford Jazz members £18 (click here to find out about membership benefits)
Students £7
Student members £5
WHO'S PLAYING?
Henk Kraaijeveld is a Dutch jazz vocalist known for his unique blend of original songs and improvisation. With a warm, expressive voice, he connects with his audience through heartfelt storytelling and honest lyrics. His latest album, Patches of Sky (2023), explores themes of vulnerability and the desire for authentic connection. Henk's musical influences range from classical choral music to jazz greats like Mark Murphy and Kurt Elling, as well as artists such as Sting and Esperanza Spalding. His quintet, featuring top musicians from the Netherlands, delivers dynamic performances that mix melodic lines with lively rhythms.
Henk’s musical journey includes a cum laude graduation from the Utrecht Conservatory and studies at the Manhattan School of Music. He won both the jury and audience awards at the 2013 Dutch Vocal Jazz Competition. Over the years, he has toured internationally, including in China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Jan Willem van Delft is a Dutch jazz pianist, composer, producer, and teacher with a passion for blending gospel and jazz in unique ways. He began playing piano at age 7 and went on to study at the Royal Conservatorium in The Hague, where he graduated in 2002. Jan Willem’s career spans across multiple musical roles, from leading his own trio to collaborating with renowned artists. His debut album, All That Hymns (2009), fuses gospel and jazz, while his second album, In Zijn Aanwezigheid (2011), is a solo piano project.
Jan Willem is also a valued member of several musical groups, including singer Sharon Kips, The Convocation big band, and Gospel Boulevard. In addition to his performing career, he has contributed to over 80 albums as a player, composer, and arranger. As a teacher, he shares his knowledge through personal coaching and workshops, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Clare Wheeler is a renowned composer, arranger, singer, and educator with a distinguished career in both classical and jazz music. She has toured with the five-time Grammy-winning vocal group The Swingles and performed at iconic venues such as La Scala and The Royal Albert Hall. Clare trained as a violinist and singer at Chatham’s School of Music and later studied voice and composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she earned a BMus (Honours).
Between 2007 and 2018, she was a member of The Swingles, contributing to their music through writing, arranging, and performing. In 2019, Clare joined the Jazz Department at Guildhall, teaching improvisation and vocal jazz, as well as leading a vocal jazz ensemble and conducting masterclasses. Her impressive performing career includes collaborations with artists like Jamie Cullum, Labrinth, and Jacob Collier, and appearances on TV and radio programs such as Pitch Battle and The Choir.
With Steve Brown on drums and Marianne WIndham on bass
DIRECTIONS
St John’s Church, Farncombe, Godalming GU7 3EJ
St. John’s Church is situated in St. John’s Street right in the centre of the village just opposite the Co-op store. It was built over 160 years ago and was extensively refurbished in 2012 with new seating, flooring and lighting. It has wonderful acoustics for all types of music as well as a unique atmosphere.
There is no parking at the church itself, but there is some street parking and a number of public car parks within 5 minutes walk of the church. We’d recommend Meadrow car park, just off the A3100 (the Guildford-Godalming road) – the postcode is GU7 3HY. It’s free in the evenings and it’s a short walk direct to the church from the car park, up Church Path.
SEATING
Seating is unreserved