Bach's Christmas Oratorio

Available for 4 days

Bach: Christmas Oratorio, parts 1, 2, 3 & 6 Polyphony, the Britten Sinfonia and Stephen Layton perform Bach’s seasonal masterpiece. With a cast of outstanding young baroque specialists stepping out from one of the world's finest choirs, this performance from Saffron Hall promises to be a seasonal treat. From the exuberant trumpets announcing the Birth of Christ to the gentle pastorals which accompany the Adoration of the Shepherds, Bach's music - with its brilliant choruses and tender arias - takes us on an uplifting journey through the Christmas story. Presented by Martin Handley. Part I: Christmas Day (Birth of Jesus) Part II: December 26 (Annunciation to the shepherds) Interval Part III: December 27 (Adoration of the shepherds) Part VI: Epiphany (Adoration of the Magi) Soloists to include: Zoë Brookshaw and Lucy Cox (sopranos) Ciara Hendrick and Angharad Rowlands (mezzo sopranos) Sebastian Hill and Archie Inns (tenors) Malachy Frame and Jon Stainsby (baritone/bass) Polyphony Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton (conductor) Recorded 13 Dec 2025 at Saffron Hall, Essex, an award-winning 740-seat performance space built in the grounds of Saffron Walden County High School. To listen on most smart speakers just say 'ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert'.