Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Pts 1,2,3 & 6)
with the Florilegium Ensemble. Please note the start time.

Saturday, 28 November 2015, 18:30 - 21:00
Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge. London SE1 9DA

Written between 1730-1734 and intended for use over the Christmas 1734 period, Bach's Christmas Oratorio [BWV 248] is not an oratorio in the same sense as, say, Handel's equivalent works but rather it is a collection of six cantatas to be used on the various feast days between Christmas and Epiphany.

Part 1 is for Christmas Day (the birth of Jesus) - Part 2 is for the next day 26th December (annunciation to the shepherds) - Part 3 is for the day after that (adoration of the shepherds) - Part 4 is for New Year's Day (circumcision and naming of Jesus) - Part 5 is for the first Sunday of the New Year (journey of the Magi) - finally Part 6 is for Epiphany (adoration of the Magi).

A performance of the full work would take more than three hours.   This performance in the splendid surroundings of Southwark Cathedral will include Parts 1, 2, 3 & 6. 

We are delighted to be working again with the outstanding Florilegium - the baroque instrument group that played such an important part in our fine performance of the St Matthew Passion in Guildford Cathedral in March 2012.

Please note that audience seats in the north and south transepts of the cathedral will have a side-on view to the choir on the tiered staging. LED screens will be placed in the transepts to relay live images of the choir and orchestra during the performance.