© Antoine Saito
© Antoine Saito
Nagano Conducts Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
2026-2027Imagine Leipzig in the winter of 1734: a fine layer of snow blankets the cobblestone streets, bells ring out, and crowds gather at St. Thomas Church, eager to hear Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. By candlelight, choir, trumpets, and timpani unite to celebrate the joy of the Nativity. Nearly three centuries later, that fervor is reborn with the first three cantatas—Jauchzet, frohlocket!, Und es waren Hirten, Herrscher des Himmels—performed by the OSM Orchestra and Chorus alongside four renowned soloists. Under Kent Nagano’s inspired direction, this moment of grace also marks the 20th anniversary of the Festival International Bach Montreal. A luminous concert, steeped in reverence and jubilation: Christmas as in Bach’s time!
A large-scale masterpiece where the full power of the orchestra delivers a truly breathtaking experience.
Mystery Tickets (surprise seats between $28 and $30) are available for this concert! Click on “Buy tickets” and enter the promo code MYST to purchase them.
Artists
Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
Kent Nagano, conductor
Carolyn Sampson, soprano
Olivia Vermeulen, mezzo-soprano
Sebastian Kohlepp, tenor
Derek Welton, bass
OSM Chorus
Andrew Megill, chorusmaster
Program
Johann Sebastian Bach, Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
Cantata I: Jauchzet, frlohlocket!
Cantata II: Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend
Intermission (20 min)
Cantata III: Herrscher des Himmels
Cantata VI: Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schauben
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