Toonkunst Amersfoort performs Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

On Friday evening, December 11, starting at 8:00 p.m., Toonkunst Amersfoort will perform J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Parts 1, 3, 5, and 6) at the Sint-Joriskerk in Amersfoort, conducted by Gerben Budding. We will be accompanied by the Baroque orchestra Cappella Maria Barbara. The soloists are: Nanette Mans (soprano), Anne-Marieke Evers (mezzo-soprano), Jan van Elsacker (tenor), and Berend Eijkhout (baritone).

The Music
The Christmas Oratorio (BWV 248) consists of six separate but thematically connected movements, the music for which was composed in Leipzig by Johann Sebastian Bach during the period from Christmas 1734 through Epiphany 1735. We will perform movements 1 (Christmas Day), 3 (Boxing Day), 5 (the Sunday after New Year’s), and 6 (Epiphany). This is a special concert because movements 5 and 6 are not performed very often.

The texts are taken from the Gospel according to Luke and the Gospel according to Matthew, and were likely written by librettist Picander (a pseudonym for Christian Friedrich Henrici).

The choir
Toonkunst Amersfoort has been in existence for 148 years, making it the oldest choir in the city. It is a mixed amateur choir consisting of approximately 85 enthusiastic singers. The choir performs a varied program featuring classical choral music, such as Bach, Handel, and Brahms, as well as modern repertoire, such as Duruflé and Britten.

Order tickets
Cost: 35,- (early-bird discount €32.50) and €20,- (under 18 and livestream)
Tickets can be ordered via www.toonkunstamersfoort.nl