Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Bach's Christmas Oratorio Anchors Packed Holiday Concerts Across Region

Critics report standout performances by mixed amateur‑professional forces across packed churches.

Overview

  • At Tegernsee’s St. Quirinus, the Kantorei under Sebastian Schober drew about 300 listeners for Parts 1–3, with tenor Moonyung Oh narrating and mezzo Sinja Maschke singled out, and the series resumes on January 6.
  • Neuburg’s Hofkirche featured the Kammerchor and Collegium Musicum led by Michael Bachmann with soloists Laura Faig, Melanie Gleissner, Stephan Schlögl and Matthias Lika, earning sustained standing applause after multiple cantatas.
  • Diepholz’s St. Nicolai presented three parts with young soloists including Freya Müller and Jan‑Philipp Kock alongside baritone Johannes Schwarz and the period ensemble Le Chardon, drawing roughly 160 attendees and ovations.
  • Gauting’s St. Benedikt hosted an 80‑member choir‑orchestra under Dorian Keilhack in a full church with Vivaldi’s Magnificat, Fauré’s Cantique and Saint‑Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, featuring five conservatory‑trained singers and an encore.
  • Bad Hersfeld’s citywide “Musik unterm Weihnachtsbaum” gathered Kantorei, Posaunenchor, CVJM players and the Singschule for a well‑attended program that closed with a congregational quodlibet on We Wish You a Merry Christmas.