christmas oratorio 2016 report

Many, many thanks to all who shared J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio 2016 performance with us on the New Year's Eve! It was amazing to see the beautiful space of the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral filled to capacity and beyond: over 600 people joined us to celebrate. WOW! The electric energy of joy, love, hope and beauty was palpable: from the long ticket line formed outside the Cathedral - till the last chord of the final choral... What a wonderful way to welcome 2017! 

We are happily sharing all the media coverage and reviews this event received. Enjoy the memories and leave your comments! 

Tenor James Reese, debuting as Evangelist


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PREVIEWS:

WRTI/ Arts Desk:
"The Unusual Christmas Oratorio by J.S. Bach". WRTI's Susan Lewis sat down with our artistic director Matt Glandorf to learn more about this work.

WHYY/ NewsWorks:
"Anonymous donor sets stage for rarely heard 'Christmas Oratorio' at Choral Arts Philadelphia" by Peter Crimmins.

REVIEWS:

Broad Street Review/ Tom Purdom
"You don't have to share Bach's beliefs to respond to the Christmas Oratorio. Some of them may even repel you. It doesn't matter. Bach was stuck in his own time and place, like all of us, but his art turns a parochial vision into something universal. He makes me feel I've been connected to eternity. That's a good way to feel on New Year's Eve." Read full article.

Chestnut Hill Local/ Michael Caruso
"[Matthew Glandorf] elicited textural clarity from his choristers that enabled him to project the score's peerless counterpoint alongside a potency of amplitude that delivered the drama of the narrative...The woodwinds sang with intimate sweetness while the strings were both supple and substantial. Concertmaster Rebecca Harris and harpsichordist Leon Schelhase were particular standouts."
Read full article.   

We look forward to sharing the audio and video highlights with you soon! 

Photo by Sharon Torello