The Washington Bach Consort brings an enduring European Christmas tradition to America every year—Bach’s Christmas Oratorio—the ultimate musical experience of the holiday season. Add to this the splendor of the Music Center at Strathmore and you’ve found yourself in the perfect occasion!
The Washington Post raved about 2019’s “splendid,” “joyful” performance. The chorus sang with a “bright, forthright sound, its phrasing as word-responsive as its blend was polished and supple.” Chorus and orchestra were together praised as “a tight and responsive group”—one that “could go head-to-head with period ensembles anywhere.”
You'll hear 4 of the 6 cantatas that comprise the composer’s epic Weihnachts-Oratorium, thrillingly delivered by the Consort musicians and soloists.
This concert is not presented by Strathmore.
Talking Bach
Join us at 5:30 p.m. for "Talking Bach” a free pre-concert lecture by noted Bach scholar, Michael Marissen. The lecture will focus not only on the musical elements of the work that will be performed, but also on the historical context in which the music was created. Talks are designed to enhance the concertgoers’ appreciation and enjoyment of the music they are about to hear. The series is open to all ticket holders.
Vocalists:
Laura Choi Stuart*, Katelyn G. Aungst, Susan Lewis Kavinski, Sara MacKimmie, Margot Rood & Kate Vetter Cain, sopranos; Robin Bier*, Sarah Davis Issaelkhoury, Derek Greten-Harrison, Barbara Hollinshead, Sylvia Leith & Meghan Miles Tuttle, altos/countertenors; James Reese* Evangelist, Andrew Bearden Brown, David Evans, Patrick Kilbride, Matthew Loyal Smith, Robert Petillo & JasonRylander, tenors; Enrico Lagasca*, Joshua Brown, Mark Duer, Karl Hempel, Edmund Milly & Jason Widney, basses
Instrumentalists:
Andrew Fouts†, Marlisa del Cid Woods, Gail Hernández, Rosa Natalie Kress, Leslie Nero, violins I; Tatiana Chulochnikova, Chiara Fasani Stauffer, Caroline Levy, Annie Loud & David McCormick, violins II; Risa Browder, Marika Holmqvist, Scott McCormick & Marta Howard, violas; John Moran & Wade Davis, violoncellos; Jessica Powell Eig & Patricia Ann Neely, violones; Colin St-Martin & Kathryn Roth, flutes; Geoffrey Burgess, Margaret Owens, Fatma Daglar & Sarah Schilling, oboes, oboes d’amore, oboes da caccia; Anna Marsh, bassoon; Brad Tatum & Kenneth Bell, horns; Josh Cohen, Jason Dovel & Dennis Anthony Ferry, trumpets; Michelle Humphreys, timpani; Leon Schelhase, harpsichord; Adam Pearl, organ
soloists*
concertmaster†
Running Time: approximately 165 minutes including intermission
Mary Ann Gardner, Stephen C. Wright & Thomas Woodruff, Hope McGowan, and National Endowment for the Arts, underwriters
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