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JS Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
November 22 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Festive Baroque music in all its splendour!
St Peter’s Singers and 18th Century Sinfonia perform Parts I-III of JS Bach’s glorious music for the Christmas season, complete with stunning trumpet fanfares, tender lullabies and a moment of pastoral tranquillity.
With 18th Century Sinfonia using historically informed performance skills on period instruments, this promises to be an evening of sparkling and joyful music-making, made perfect by the uplifting surroundings of Leeds Minster.
Sung in German, with online and printed English translations available.
Programme notes and translations
Directed by Alexander Woodrow
“A truly spellbinding & transformative performance from both the orchestra & chorus… It’s rare to be so spiritually uplifted by a single performance.”
Audience feedback after our performance in April of Bach’s B Minor Mass.
Programme
Weihnachtsoratorium (Cantatas I-III)
JS Bach
St Peter’s Singers and Soloists
18th Century Sinfonia
Alexander Woodrow conductor
The 18th Century Sinfonia
The 18th Century Sinfonia is a versatile ensemble of specialist period instrumentalists. Since their foundation in 2001 they have accompanied numerous choral societies throughout the UK in performances of Handel Oratorios, Mozart Requiem, Bach B Minor Mass, Magnificat, St John and St Matthew Passions etc. On Good Friday, 18th April 2025, the 18th Century Sinfonia performed the new edition of Handel’s Brockes Passion in Nottingham Parish Church.
The principal players of the 18th Century Sinfonia also meet to comprise the 18th Century Concert Orchestra, whose performances combine period instruments, readings, candlelight and sumptuous 18th century costume in uniquely atmospheric recreations of 18th century musical life.
Welcome
St Peter’s Singers are passionate about the music we sing and want to share it with as many people as possible. We will do all we can to make anyone who comes to our concerts feel welcome and at ease. So if you’ve not tried this music out before, why not come along and bring a friend? Leeds Minster is an accessible venue with good facilities. Everyone is welcome. What to expect at a St Peter’s Singers concert.
Read the online programme notes.
Access and Accessibility
Leeds Minster is about 5 minutes walk from Leeds Bus Station, and about 15 minutes walk from Leeds Railway Station. There is on-street parking on the side streets nearby, as well as the NCP Markets carpark (5 minutes) and the John Lewis carpark (10 minutes).
There is ramp access to the main doors beneath the tower, with entrance to the grounds at the West End by the Lamb and Flag pub recommended to avoid the steps up from the street level. Once inside there there is step-free access to the concert seating and to the City of Leeds Room for refreshments and toilets. Wheelchairs and mobility devices are welcome and can be accommodated.