Britten and Bach at Christmas

Eclectic Voices will be joined by world-renowned tenor (and old friend of the choir) Adrian Thompson. The concert will be anchored by Britten’s cantata Saint Nicolas, suggested by Adrian who worked with Britten as a boy. Also participating will be EV’s juniors, Highbury Youth Choir, in an ideal context to show off their prowess performing a piece where children's voices are essential, and Jonathan Eyers, baritone from New Zealand.

Saint Nicolas is considered one of the more remarkable creations in 20th century music for its subject (stories of the 4th-century bishop’s life), its structure and performing forces – combining choirs of adults, children and congregation/audience – and its masterful use of original music, thematic devices, hymn tunes, tenor solo, piano duet, organ, strings and percussion.

We’ll also be performing another Britten piece, Cantata Misericordium, which tells the story of the Good Samaritan, and Bach’s lush Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland. The first half of the concert will be opened by Scott Stroman’s (EV musical director) So Hallowed and So Gracious is the Time, which again allows our choirs and soloists to shine. The second half opens with Eric Whitacre’s ethereal and much-loved Lux Aurumque, a real treat for the ears!

Eclectic Voices

Britten Ensemble

Highbury Youth Choir

Adrian Thompson, tenor

Jonathan Eyers, baritone

Scott Stroman So Hallowed and So Gracious is the Time

Britten St. Nicolas

Eric Whitacre Lux Aurumque

Britten Cantata Misericordium

Bach Cantata BWV 61, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland

Host or Publisher Eclectic Voices