The Symphony Choir - Oratorio de Noël

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The Symphony Choir of Cape Town’s Christmas concert 2022 promises to be a refreshing and reflective event with just a little added spice - a perfect introduction to the festive season.

The concert begins with the German carol ‘Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen’ ("A rose has sprung up") sung to a melody harmonized by the German composer Michael Prätorius in 1609. The hymn, which is popular during the Christian season of Advent, makes reference to the Incarnation of Christ as well as to the Tree of Jesse, a traditional symbol of the lineage of Jesus.

This is followed by ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ by Benjamin Britten.

Don't expect to hear the usual carols in this gorgeous collection…. It's still as festive as mince pies, but it's an altogether more thoughtful and obscure set, with 11 carols given a unique spin.¹

The inspiration for this medley of medieval carols was poetry spanning 14th to16th century England and the Gregorian chant. The carols are a Christmas tale as well as a reference to the re-birth of spring. The work, with its pictorial musical imagery, highlights Britten’s genius for composing choral works, and his use of just the harp as the accompanying instrument is wonderfully innovative.

After the interval the choir will perform the beautiful and delicate ‘Oratorio de Noël’ by Camille Saint-Saëns. 23 year old Saint-Saëns (1835–1921) composed the first six movements of this work in just twelve days allowing the musicians only nine days or so to prepare for the first performance on Christmas Eve of December 1858. It was probably performed at Midnight Mass in the church of La Madeleine in Paris with the composer himself conducting. Saint-Saëns was pleased with this first performance, particularly with the “superstars” (as he described them) who sang the solo parts. Four additional movements were added over the following five years. 

The performance on Dec 3 2022 includes 5 soloists and an orchestra of 25 musicians.

Interspersed among these magnificent works the choir will sing some well-known and well-loved carols. For these, the audience will be invited and encouraged to sing along.

Be sure not to miss this uplifting event.

1. https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/occasions/christmas/essential-christmas-music/britten-ceremony-carols

PARKING - Secure parking is available at the Sunsquare Hotel Parkade - entrance in Bree street at a cost of R20 / hour

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