The Christmas Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performance at the Radialsystem Berlin
The Christmas Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the best-known and most frequently performed compositions of religious music in the world. Attending a concert of the Oratorio during the Christmas season has practically become a tradition of popular culture.
The independent opera company Novoflot has developed a performance of the Christmas Oratorio and specially adapted it to the rooms at Radialsystem in Berlin. The structure of the piece has been completely rearranged both temporally and spatially; the six cantatas of the oratory were performed simultaneously in different halls and various storeys throughout the entire building. The result was a round of performances in various versions for actors, soloists, choirs, ensembles and a large orchestra.
This unique "tour" through the Christmas Oratorio allowed the audience to re-discover this magnificent work of music history in all its components and facets. The performances took place during the Christmas season and offered a striking contrast to conventional productions.
Director: Sven Holm, Music director: Vicente Larrañaga (RCH/D), Dramaturge: Laura Schmidt, Malte Ubenauf, Text: Juan Goytisolo (ES), Set design: GRAFT (USA/ China/D), Vocals: Nils Cooper, Steffen Doberauer, Julian Gerull, Bini Lee-Zauner, Ricardo Müller und Hanna Dóra Sturludóttir, Actors: Johanna Falckner, Bauer 4, Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop, Karl-Forster-Chor, Knabenchor Berlin.
Venue and schedule:
Radialsystem - V - Berlin: 16-27 Dec. 2009
16 Dec. 7 p.m. premiere
18, 19, 20, 23, 25, 26 Dec. 7 p.m.
27 Dec. 4 p.m.