Nagano Conducts Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

Imagine 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 fervour 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 25th anniversary of the Montreal Bach Festival. A luminous concert, steeped in reverence and jubilation: Christmas as in Bach’s time!