Weihnachts-Oratorium 2026
No composition captures the joy and spirituality of Christmas as beautifully as Johann Sebastian Bach’s Weihnachts-Oratorium. This masterpiece, full of exuberant choirs, lyrical arias and stirring melodies forms the heart of the Christmas tradition. In a unique collaboration of the Nederlands Kamerkoor and the famed baroque ensemble Capella Mediteranea, this iconic music comes to life under the direction of the charismatic chief conductor Leonardo García Alarcón.
The Weihnachts-Oratorium, composed in 1734, tells the Christmas story with an unrivalled musical richness. Bach weaves sparkling choir pieces, brilliant instrumental lines and deep emotions into a work that is both festive and intimate. From the triumphant opening Jauchzet, frohlocket! to the tender lullabies and jubilant hymns: this is the music that warms the soul and raises the heart.
With his passion for historical pieces and refined feeling for expression Leonardo García Alarcón brings a fresh and authentic interpretation of Bach’s masterpiece. The combination of the Nederlands Kamerkoor, famed for its tonal beauty and perfection, and Capella Mediterranea, with its luxurious and lively baroque sound, guarantees a performance that teems with energy, depth and festive splendor.
Programme
J.S. Bach – Weihnachts-Oratorium BWV 248
Cantate 1 to 6
Performers
Nederlands Kamerkoor
Cappella Mediterranea
Chief conductor: Leonardo García Alarcón
Soloists
Sophie Junker – soprano
Christopher Lowrey – countertenor
Valerio Contaldo – tenor
Andreas Wolf – bass
Wolfgang
Use the Wolfgang app during the concert. Wolfgang is a smartphone app for live classical music. While the orchestra plays, Wolfgang tells you what you are hearing in the music at that precise moment. For more information see: www.wolfgangapp.nl.
Saturday 19 December 2026
Start concert: 19:30
Intermission: 20:45
End of concert: circa 22:30
Ticket prices: 1st tier: € 97.00 | 2nd tier: € 70.00 | 3rd tier: € 56.00
The net profits of this concert are used for the regular maintenance and preservation of the Pieterskerk Leiden.