The festive season is fast-approaching and the Canberra Choral Society (CCS) will celebrate in grand scale with Johann Sebastian Bach's glorious Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachts-Oratorium) BWV 248. This unmissable CCS Come & Sing event will present Parts 1, 2, 3 and 6, sung in English, on Saturday 26 September at 6:30pm in Canberra's premier concert venue, Llewellyn Hall, The ANU.
Bach structured his Christmas Oratorio as six cantatas for the whole period of the Christmas festivities of 1734–35 in Leipzig, Germany, from 25 December to 6 January. The text is drawn from the Gospel narrative of the Nativity (Luke 2:1-21 and Matthew 2:1-12). Part 1 (for 25 December) describes the birth of Jesus; Part 2 (for 26 December) depicts the annunciation to the shepherds; Part 3 (for 27 December) portrays the adoration of the shepherds; and Part 6 (for Epiphany, 6 January) commemorates the adoration of the Magi or three wise men.
The performance will feature fabulous soloists Lily Flynn (soprano), Elizabeth Cooper (mezzo-soprano), Jordan Sarkis (tenor) and David Greco (baritone), a choir of 160 enthusiastic singers, including 80 guest singers from the local community, and a specially assembled professional orchestra.
To direct the ensemble, CCS is thrilled to welcome guest conductor Sam Allchurch, Artistic Director for Sydney Chamber Choir, Director of Music of Christ Church St Laurence, Sydney, and Associate Artistic Director at Gondwana Choirs.
This afternoon concert of Bach's majestic and uplifting setting of the Christmas story is sure to resonate long after the final notes are played.