Oxford Harmonic Choir’s new season opens with a seasonal classic: J.S. Bach’s much-loved Christmas Oratorio. The work is made up of six cantatas, each focusing on one aspect of the Christmas story, originally performed on separate days over the Christmas period. We will perform part 1, The birth of Jesus; part 3, The adoration of the shepherds; part 5, The journey of the magi; part 6, The adoration of the magi. The opening words of part 1 ‘Jauchzet, frohlocket’ ‘Rejoice, exult’, set the tone of the whole sequence. This is Bach at his most joyful and celebratory, especially in the splendid choruses that open each part.

The Choir is delighted to welcome the soloists:

Susanna Fairbairn – soprano
Joanna Harries – mezzo soprano
Robyn Lyn Evans – tenor
Timothy Nelson – bass