Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra and St. Martin's Chamber Choir - Bach's Christmas Oratorio

PRO MUSICA COLORADO and ST. MARTIN'S CHAMBER CHOIR - THE CHRISTMAS ORATORIO

Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra and St. Martin's Chamber Choir collaborate
Critically acclaimed soloists for J.S.Bach's rarely performed Christmas Oratorio

Boulder, Colo.— Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra and St. Martin’s Chamber Choir are excited to present two rare performances of one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s greatest masterpieces, The Christmas Oratorio. The concerts take place on December 2 at the Saint Paul Lutheran Church (1600 Grant Street, Denver) and December 3 at the First United Methodist Church (1421 Spruce Street, Boulder), both starting at 7:30 pm (pre-concert talk at 6:30 pm).

“Bach's Christmas Oratorio is as popular in Germany as Handel’s Messiah is here. It is the least heard of Bach's 4-5 great choral/orchestral masterpieces,” said Timothy Krueger, Artistic Director of St. Martin's Chamber Choir. Bach's Christmas Oratorio tells the whole Nativity Story. Although most performances only include segments of this piece, this time the Oratorio will be performed in its entirety (only repeats are cut) by two of the region's finest professional ensembles.

“It’s a work with significant virtuoso and stylistic demands of the choir, soloists, and orchestra, said Cynthia Katsarelis, Music Director and Conductor of Pro Musica Colorado. “Bach used every resource at his disposal to convey the drama of story, along with personal responses and reflections on the ‘action.’” The work features an astonishing variety of styles, sometimes combining elements of the Italian concerto (like Vivaldi) and Italian opera. The story is told from various points of view, including that of the shepherds. “The music is truly awesome, and it is especially delightful to present it in the holiday season.”

The last complete performance in this region was 18 years ago. “We are very excited about this great masterpiece and the wonderful team of collaborators,” said Katsarelis. Both of the directors will share the podium. The two ensembles are pleased to present solo singers with national reputations in the performance of the music of Bach: Amanda Balestrieri, soprano; Marjorie Bunday, alto; Jacob Sentgeorge, tenor; Robert W. Tudor, bass.

Ticket prices to The Christmas Oratorio: $35 Premium (sold out in Denver), $24 General Admission, $5 Student. Tickets are available online at: www.promusicacolorado.org, or www.StMartinsChamberChoir.org. For further information, or to purchase tickets by phone, call: 720-443-0565.