Bach in the City — J.S. Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio'

Bach in the City rings in the New Year with three of the six distinct feast-day cantatas that constitute Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248. The period-instrument ensemble will perform Parts I, V and VI, celebrating Christmas Day, the Sunday after New Year’s, and Epiphany.

Jason Moy, Bach in the City's co-music director, says, “From festive trumpets and resounding timpani heralding the birth of the Christ child to moving and contemplative chorales for chorus, Bach’s sacred masterpiece depicts the familiar Christmas story in dramatic fashion.”

Part 1 is celebratory and regal, with the choir exclaiming, “Jauchzet, frohlocket!” (Shout for joy!). Part V, with lush, expressive melodies, depicts the long journey of the three Wise Men. The triumphant and majestic Part VI represents The Adoration of the Magi, ending with a thrilling finale with trumpet melodies woven over the top of a powerful final chorale.

Soloists are Hannah De Priest, soprano; Ryan Belongie, countertenor; Gene Stenger, tenor; and Paul Max Tipton, bass.

Guest concertmaster is violinist Adriane Post, leader of the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra and founding member of the ACRONYM Ensemble and Diderot String Quartet.

Richard Webster conducts the Bach in the City Chorus and Orchestra.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

Tickets and information

Single tickets are $45 for VIP admission, which includes reserved seating; $30 adult general admission; $25 seniors 65 and older; and free for students with valid ID.

Tickets and information are available at bachinthecity.org and by phone, 312-273-9834.