Come and celebrate the festive season with us as we team up with the New London Singers to perform Bach’s Christmas Oratorio under the baton of seasoned conductor Howard Williams
Programme
Bach: Christmas Oratorio
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Adult tickets: £25
Concessions: £20
Under 16: £10
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Bach Christmas Oratorio
This is the time of year when Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio gracefully brings the spirit of the holiday season alive. It is a testament to Bach's genius and his deep reverence for the story of the nativity.
The Christmas Oratorio, comprising six separate cantatas, was composed by Bach in 1734 to celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas. It is a monumental musical work based on the biblical narrative of the birth of Jesus, blending together a heavenly chorales, richly-layered orchestral passages and lyrical solos. Opening with the jubilant sound of trumpets and timpani, it starts with Cantata I, aptly titled "For the First Day of Christmas." Its exuberant overture immediately transports the audience into a realm of festive splendor, echoing the rejoicing angels announcing the birth of Christ.
Bach weaves a colourful tapestry of musical expressions, capturing the varied emotions of the narrative. From the serene and contemplative arias, such as "Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen" (Sleep now, weary eyes), to the triumphant choruses like "Jauchzet, frohlocket!" (Shout for joy), each movement leaves a strong impression on the listener.
Bach's profound understanding of musical architecture is evident throughout. His masterful integration of soloists, choir, and orchestra creates a harmonious unity. The luscious melodies, intertwining counterpoint and meticulously-crafted harmonies demonstrate his expertise at composition. The libretto of the Christmas Oratorio extols the significance of Christ's birth, drawing inspiration from biblical scriptures, devotional poetry and hymns.
Bach's Christmas Oratorio remains an enduring treasure in the classical repertoire – a tradition that brings warmth, spiritual reflection and hope to audiences. With its intricate beauty and profound spirituality, it continues to captivate and enchant, inviting all who listen to experience the magic of the Christmas season.
Howard Williams
Howard Williams, one of Britain’s most experienced conductors on the international platform, has covered a formidable range of work both in the opera house and concert hall. His exceptionally large symphonic repertoire is matched in the theatre by nearly a hundred opera and ballet titles and a love of orchestral and choral collaboration.
In the UK, he has conducted the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic and BBC Symphony, as well as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National, Bournemouth Symphony and Sinfonietta, English Chamber Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, London Sinfonietta, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Concert Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra.
New London Singers
Founded in 1963, NLS are one of London’s most exciting vocal ensembles. They perform most frequently at St Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square but recent concerts have taken them to a variety of venues in the capital, including St James’s Piccadilly, St Paul’s Covent Garden, St James’s Sussex Gardens and Kings Place.
St. Peter’s Church, Notting Hill
The venue for our concert is St Peter's Church in Notting Hill, a building of notable architectural quality, listed Grade II*. The interior of the building is very elaborate, with many of the pillars boasting gilded capitals.
To get to St Peter’s Church using public transport, the closest Tube Station is Notting Hill Gate. The closest Bus Stop is PT-Stanley Gardens and PS-Chepstow Villas.
On-street parking outside the church is limited to RBKC resident permit holders, with some prepay spaces also available.
Address: 90 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 2PL