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Christmas Oratorio by Oratorio Association Stem en Snaren

Sunday 15 December 2024

Oratorio Association Stem en Snaren performs all six cantatas of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio!

This is the first time that Stem en Snaren performs this masterpiece in its entirety. Under the direction of conductor Marcel Joosen, the choir has been working for a year to create a beautiful performance.

In 1734, Bach was commissioned by the church authorities in Leipzig to compose this Christmas oratorio. Although he secretly loved the theatre, he had to operate within the strict rules of the church. Because the Christmas story contains a message of joy and hope, Bach wanted his music to sound festive. With that in mind, he selected a number of highlights from his earlier works. His lyricist Picander provided these pieces with new religious texts, and thus the six-part oratorio was born, which had its premiere on 25 December 1734.

Each cantata focuses on a specific part of the Christmas story, from the Annunciation to the Shepherds to the Adoration of the Magi. The music is rich in variety, with joyful choruses, intimate arias and festive orchestral intermezzos.

The Christmas Oratorio remains a beloved work in the Christmas repertoire to this day and a testament to Bach’s unsurpassed genius.

The baroque ensemble Eik en Linde provides the musical accompaniment, and the following soloists lend their support: Margreet Rietveld (soprano), Merel van Schie (alto), Peter Vos (tenor), Frans Fiselier (bass) and Avaline Roth (soprano). The general direction is in the hands of conductor Marcel Joosen.

Maps

Tickets at €42.50 (incl. program booklet and drinks during the break) and reserved VIP seats at €62.50 are available via this link or via the Stem en Snaren website ( www.stemensnaren.nl ).