Oceanside Concert Choir will perform a program of seasonal favourites highlighted by Camille Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio on Dec. 1.
The concert begins at 2:30 p.m. at Knox United Church in Parksville, according to a news release by Oceanside Music, which is presenting the concert.
In 1857, at the age of 22, Saint-Saëns was appointed to the high profile post of organist of La Madeleine Church in Paris, the official church of the French Empire.
A year later he wrote the Christmas Oratorio, Op. 12, completing it just before its premiere on Dec. 24, 1858. It is scored for five soloists, chorus, organ, strings and harp.
The instrumental prelude is in a Baroque style and was inspired by the compositions of J.S. Bach. The following nine movements are based on the nativity story found in the Bible in the Book of Luke, as well as verses from the Psalms, Isaiah, Lamentations and John. The text, originally written in Latin, will be performed in English.
Under the direction of Ann Barber-Becqué and accompanied by pianist Margaret Nelson, the choir will perform Christmas Oratorio with guest soloists: soprano Andrea Rodall; alto Shanté van Horlick; tenor Adam Dyjach; and baritone Michael MacKinnon. Hilary Whelton, a member of the choir, will be the fifth soloist.
The Christmas Treasures program will also feature more than a dozen Christmas carols including: "Carol of the Bells", "Winter Wonderland", "A Celtic Christmas", "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow", and "Do You Hear What I Hear"?
Guest flautist Laurie Dumas, from the Oceanside Concert Band, will provide flute accompaniment for the "Christmas Peace" Canon closer.
Tickets are $25 per person and are available at Fireside Books in Parksville and Edge Outdoors in Qualicum Beach, from Nov. 14 to Nov. 29, or at the door.
For more information on the Concert Choir and other Oceanside Music events, visit www.oceanside-music.ca or telephone 250-594-4755.
