Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' Bach's Christmas Oratorio (2023)

Choral Singing / Choral Music

Bach's CHRISTMAS Oratorio presented by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Date: Saturday 16 December 2:00pm (2023)
Venue: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney

"Shout for joy!" and celebrate Christmas with Bach." 

When JS Bach was at the height of his powers he created a monumental musical work for the Christmas season. Although he called it an oratorio, it was in six parts – one cantata for each of the first six days of Christmas. His listeners would have heard these in church services, with prayers, a sermon and congregational singing. But the genius of the Christmas Oratorio is that the music works brilliantly on a larger scale – tracing the Christmas narrative in satisfying style.

In this concert Sydney Philharmonia Choirs will perform the first three cantatas, beginning with thundering drums, trumpets and the thrilling sound of exultant voices lifted in praise: “Shout for joy!” The sweet pastoral sounds of flutes and oboes colour part two and its tender scenes in the lowly stable. Festive colours return as the shepherds arrive to witness the Lord of Heaven. In Bach’s hands the mystery of the Nativity finds perfect expression in glorious music.

Conducted by Brett Weymark, the finely tuned voices of our Chamber Singers and the Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra find an impeccable balance between baroque expression and epic musical effect in this uplifting Christmas event.

PROGRAM

JS BACH Christmas Oratorio:
Parts 1–3

ARTISTS

Brett Weymark conductor
Penelope Mills soprano
Margaret Plummer mezzo-soprano
Andrew Goodwin tenor
Christopher Richardson bass-baritone
Chamber Singers
Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra

TICKETS

Premium $129 | A $105 | B $85 | C $60 | D $45
Concessions $116 | A $92| B $75 | C $55 | D $41
Under 30 $30
A booking fee of $8.95 per transaction applies.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

A digital program book will be available to download on this page a week prior to the concert. A limited number of printed program books will be available for $10 each at the concert.

PRE-CONCERT TALK

Come to the Northern Foyer from 1pm to hear 2MBS Fine Music presenter Michael Field speak about Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Grab a drink at the bar and enjoy this free, 30-minute talk, with plenty of time to find your seat for the 2pm concert.

Seating is on the carpeted stairs in the Northern Foyer.
Access the Northern Foyer via the new tunnel from the Southern Foyer.

• Saturday 16 December: 1:15PM-1:45PM
• Concert Hall, Northern Foyer stairs

 

2023 Pre-Concert Talks are made possible with the support of 2MBS Fine Music.

Reviews: 

Bach's Christmas Oratorio (Sydney Philharmonia Choirs). 4.5 Stars.  Limelight Magazine. Reviewed by Steve Moffatt, 16 December 2023. "Brett Weymark and the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs triumph in a high-altitude assault on Bach’s magic mountain." Accessed December 19, 2023.    

SYDNEY PHILHARMONIA CHOIRS: BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO @CITY RECITAL HALL. 5 Stars. Sydney Arts Guide. Reviewed by Paul Nolan. 18 December 2023. "Bach... would have been as thrilled as the Sydney Opera House audience with the result!" Accessed December 21, 2023. 

 

Video Credit:

Bach's Christmas Oratorio 2023. YouTube, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Accessed December 13, 2023.

Resources:

Bach's CHRISTMAS Oratorio. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Accessed October 15, 2023  (Available at this time)

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' 2023 Season Catalogue.

COVID-19 SAFETY AT SPC CONCERTS

Up-to-date COVID guidelines will be available a few weeks before the concert. Please note that we regularly update our guidelines based on health advice available at the time.

 

(c) October 15, 2023. Updated December 21, 2023.  Tel.  Inspired Pen Web.  All rights reserved.