Westchester Oratorio Society Presents Bach's "Christmas Oratorio"

The performance features the acclaimed James Kennerley on the church's magnificent Von Beckerath organ. Hailed as "a great organist" with "phenomenal technique and sheer musicality" by Bloomberg News, and praised as a tenor by New Yorker critic Alex Ross, James Kennerley is a multifaceted musician. A native of the United Kingdom, Mr. Kennerley was Organ Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge University and later at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, where he performed in the presence of HM the Queen on several occasions. Currently, he is Organist and Choirmaster at St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church in New York City, where he directs the professional choir and coordinates the church’s extensive concert series.

Written by Bach to be performed in six parts during the Christmas season of 1734/35 , the full "Christmas Oratorio"  has a three hour running time. Mr. Niemczyk has edited the work to a more manageable length for a Saturday evening performance by including most of the chorus’s  and presenting the most beautiful and dynamic arias.  Soloists are soprano, Corrine Byrne, alto, Kate McNamara, tenor, Chris Ellmann, and bass, Joseph Beckwith. The performance will be sung in German.. Trumpet and timpani will add to the excitement!

Westchester Oratorio Society is now in its 18th season, its eight  under the baton of Mr. Nemczyk.  The group is known for its performances of early music, traditional choral masterworks and contemporary pieces before local audiences with professional soloists and orchestras , and collaborations with premier groups and artists such as Tiffany Consort and REBEL Baroque Ensemble , as well as its appearances in the New York metropolitan area, including at Carnegie Hall , the Brooklyn Academy of music and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

 Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at the Katonah Village Library.  Preparations begin IN January for a May 3, 2015  performance of Mozart's Mass in C minor  with the society's professional orchestra  and professional soloists.  Those interested in joining for the spring can call or text 34 34729303 

Tickets are $20 Gen. and $40 Preferred, in advance, $25  Gen. and $50 Preferred at the door, and are available online at the group's website,  www.Westchesteroratorio.org or by telephone  at  (914) 763-9389. . For more information email Westchesteroratorio@Gmail.com. Visit the group on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Westchesteroratorio  and follow on Twitter  @Westchesterora.