In a significant event for classical music enthusiasts, Bach Akademie Australia is set to present Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio in Sydney this November, marking the first performance of this masterpiece on period instruments in the city in 15 years. The concerts will take place at two venues: the City Recital Hall on November 8, and Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Church in Chatswood on November 10.
The Christmas Oratorio, composed by Bach in the winter of 1734-35, is a monumental work comprising six cantatas that narrate the Nativity story. From the birth of Jesus to the Epiphany, the oratorio guides listeners through the pivotal moments of the Christmas season, employing Bach's signature inventive soundscapes and masterful orchestration.
Madeleine Easton, Artistic Director of Bach Akademie Australia, emphasises the significance of the work: "To me, the Christmas period without the music of Bach is unthinkable! And of all the music written for this time of year, none captures the miracle and joy of the Christmas story better than this work." Easton notes Bach's skillful alignment of the music with the turn of the year, highlighting themes of joy and renewal.
The performances will feature a roster of acclaimed Australian vocalists, including internationally recognised tenor Andrew Goodwin and ARIA Award-nominated baritone David Greco. The full choir and orchestra of Bach Akademie Australia will bring to life the oratorio's rich tapestry of voices, pastoral woodwinds, and triumphant brass, promising an authentic and immersive Baroque experience.
Bach Akademie Australia, established in late 2016 by Easton, aims to share the profound joy and inspiration found in Bach's music with Australian audiences. The ensemble is known for its commitment to authenticity and originality in interpretation, striving to illuminate the power of Bach's compositions for contemporary listeners.
The choice of venues for these performances is noteworthy. The City Recital Hall, known for its excellent acoustics, will provide an ideal setting for the intricate layers of Bach's composition. The performance at Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Church in Chatswood offers audiences a chance to experience the oratorio in a space more akin to its original liturgical context.
These concerts represent a rare opportunity for Sydney's classical music aficionados to experience one of Bach's most celebrated works in a historically informed performance. The use of period instruments adds an additional layer of authenticity, allowing audiences to hear the oratorio as it might have sounded in Bach's time.
For Bach Akademie Australia, these performances represent a continuation of their mission to enrich Australia's musical landscape through historically informed performances of Bach's works, promising an evening of profound artistry and historical resonance, brought to life by some of Australia's finest musicians.
Tickets: https://www.bachakademieaustralia.com.au/events
PROGRAM:
J.S. BACH Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
Part 1: Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage
Part 2: Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend
Part 3: Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen
Part 4: Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben
Part 5: Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen
Part 6: Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben
ARTISTS:
Madeleine Easton – Artistic Director
Andrew Goodwin – Evangelist
Susannah Lawergren - Soprano
Bonnie de la Hunty - Soprano
Hannah Fraser – Alto
Timothy Reynolds - Tenor
David Greco - Baritone
Thomas Flint - Bass
Bach Akademie Australia Orchestra
Bach Akademie Australia Choir
DATES AND TIMES:
City Recital Hall, Sydney Friday November 8, 2024, 6:30pm
Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Church, Chatswood Sunday November 10, 2:30pm
Note: The performance at Chatswood includes cantatas 1,2 and 5 only.
DURATION:
Friday November 8: Approximately 3 hours, including a 30-minute interval.
Sunday November 10: Approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval.
TICKETS
$65 – $140 (Concessions, Under 30 and Student prices available). Booking fees apply.
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