The popularity of the Weihnachtsoratorium is beginning to reach Matthäus-like proportions. Just as the latter masterpiece is the soundtrack to Easter, Bach rolls out the carpet to Christmas with the Weihnachtsoratorium. It is fair to say that the Nederlands Kamerkoor leads the tradition in terms of performance. As one of the few top international choirs, it performs all six chorales each year, invariably accompanied by a renowned baroque ensemble. This year it is the award-winning Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin.

Johann Sebastian Bach wrote the cycle of six cantatas in 1734 for six holidays: both Christmases, the day after Christmas, New Year’s Day, the Sunday after New Year’s Day and Epiphany. Radiant trumpets accompany the royal entry, a lovely violin solo illustrates the miracle of the birth, and when the three wise men reach the manger, a heartwarming chorale sounds. Chief conductor Peter Dijkstra, some of the very best soloists and two world-renowned ensembles guarantee a perfect performance and a wonderful start to the Christmas season.

Principal Conductor: Peter Dijkstra | Soprano: Carolyn Sampson | Alto: Tim Mead | Evangelist (tenor): Zachary Wilder | bass: Krešimir Stražanac