Two Christmas concerts not to be missed, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Carols at the House
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
15 – 17 Dec 2023
With special guests John Bell and soprano Julie Lea Goodwin Hosted by ABC Classic’s Vanessa Hughes Conducted by Elizabeth Scott.
Join Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for an unforgettably heart-warming Christmas experience, in this two-
hour concert, rich with opulent arrangements of some of the world’s most beautiful and uplifting Yuletide music.
From Irving Berlin’s White Christmas to John Rutter’s Gloria and highlights from Tchaikovsky’s Nut cracker ballet and Handel’s Messiah, Carols at the House seamlessly interweaves works from across the ages and around the planet, with some unexpected delights to be savoured.
Brought to life by a phenomenal 600-strong choir, full orchestra, and guest soprano Julie Lea Goodwin, under the baton of Elizabeth Scott, your favourite Christmas carols have never sounded so resoundingly festive.
Australian stage icon John Bell brings some extra magic to the program with a series of impeccably delivered spoken interludes. And of course, there will be a chance to join in with favourite carols, for those who savour the opportunity for audience participation.
As a very special treat, this year’s Carols at the House will include the Concert Hall premiere of a new work by Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin – Summer Together – with words by Gunai woman, poet Kirli Saunders.
Commissioned by ABC Classic for their acclaimed Classic Choir initiative, Summer Together, celebrates the many ways we come together with family and friends over summer – from simple gatherings to holidays and adventures.
To mark the song’s debut, ABC Classic presenter Vanessa Hughes will join Sydney Philharmonia Choirs as special guest host of Carols at the House, steering us through a brilliant evening of word, song, and
celebration.
What a joy for audience and performers alike, with the 600-strong choir including members of Sydney
Philharmonia’s acclaimed Symphony Chorus and VOX, alongside its special Christmas Choir: a community-choir program open to singers of all abilities, the Christmas Choir are in rehearsal for weeks in the lead up to the event, many appearing on stage for the very first time.
Carols at the House will be presented in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, 8pm, Friday 15 December & Saturday 16 December; and 2pm Sunday 17 December.
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
16 Dec 2023
Be transported to a world of splendour and grace in this special Festive Season performance of JS Bach’s magnificent Christmas Oratorio on the Concert Hall stage of the Sydney Opera House, 2pm, Saturday 16 December.
A resplendent musical interpretation of the Nativity story, brought to life in Bach’s richly emotive score,
the Christmas Oratorio is recognised the world over as a balm to the spirit in heavenly musical form.
Bach unveiled his six-part Christmas Oratorio over the last week of 1734 and the first week of 1735 – the time Lutherans recognised the Feast of Christmas – in the churches of his hometown, Leipzig. Each cantata tells a part of the Nativity story.
For this two-hour concert conductor Brett Weymark has chosen the first three cantatas, from Jesus’ birth – marked by exultant voice, thunderous timpani, and trumpets – to the sweet pastoral sounds of flutes and oboes for the tender scenes in the stable, and the festive arrival of the shepherds.
When Christmas began to be celebrated as a popular holiday in the 19th century, not just a Church Feast, this joyously uplifting celebration of life and humanity found its place as an enduring Festive Season favourite amongst music lovers.
In the hands of conductor Brett Weymark, the virtuosic Chamber Singers, the Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra and four very special guest soloists, Sydney concertgoers will be immersed in Bach’s glorious music, befitting of Europe’s finest concert experiences.
Direct from her recent season in Parsifal at this year’s Bayreuth Festival, Vienna-based Australian mezzo – soprano Margaret Plummer will be joining the Choirs for this performance, alongside much-loved Sydney
Philharmonia Choirs regulars, soprano Penelope Mills, tenor Andrew Goodwin and bass-baritone Christopher Richardson.
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio is presented for one concert only, in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, 2pm, Saturday 16 December.
For more information click Here
