Concerto Köln & Collegium Vocale Gent . Marcus Creed

Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio', unforgettable Christmas concerts that many of you enjoy again and again. Something which we are, happily, turning into a tradition. In previous years we have heard performances with Philippe Herreweghe, Jos van Velthoven, Hans-Christoph Rademann and Daniel Reuss. During the 2010 Christmas period, we will present two versions: on one evening we'll hear the four cantatas, and then the entire oratorium will be performed the next evening. To perform them this time around, we welcome the outstanding German Baroque ensemble Concerto Köln along with our 'home bred' Collegium Vocale Gent. Marcus Creed, whose conducting style is often described as energetic, quick and brisk - precisely what the Christmas Oratorio requires - conducts both of these outstanding ensembles. Sometimes it is said that this work lacks the drama of the 'Matthew Passion' or the 'High Mass'. If this were true, it certainly makes up for it with jubliant choruses, gorgeous arias, festive trumpets, merry woodwind, and joyful timpani. In short, this jubilant oratorio of the Christmas story is one of the highpoints of Bach's refined mastery.