large-scale work for soloists, choir and orchestra (in order to fit on the stage the whole cast, would have to dismantle the front rows) will be first performed in the Cathedral in this part: Vladimir Jurowski, Julia Lezhneva, Benedict Kristjansson, Intrada vocal ensemble and the state orchestra of Russia named. E. F. Svetlanov.

This rare concert will be a dream come true of Vladimir Jurowski, the representative of the illustrious dynasty, the artistic Director of state academic Symphony orchestra “Evgeny Svetlanov”, the chief conductor of the London Philharmonic orchestra perform the oratorio where it’s supposed to sound.

“I don’t often play Bach in Russia, but over time, there was an inner need to play this music more often. “Christmas oratorio” is one of my favorite works by Bach, with it I have connected a long history that began here in Russia, — said Vladimir Jurowski. In the late 80-ies arrived in Moscow Helmut Rilling, with the participation of students of the Moscow Conservatory and brought them soloists for the first time in the Soviet Union was fulfilled the first three parts “Christmas oratorio”. I was at this concert and remember what an unforgettable feeling aroused in me this music and what a feeling of happiness a long time lived in me.

In 2008, when I was a member of the Board of the Russian national orchestra, we played four of the six cantatas of the “Christmas oratorio” in the Great hall of the Conservatory. But even then, I had the feeling that this music is more organic to be embodied in the conditions of the temple. This Church in Moscow is the Lutheran Cathedral of Peter and Paul. The music of Bach in the Cathedral sounds better: the need to limit acoustic and visual space to focus on music events and spiritual ideas that are articulated in this essay. I consider myself to be a generation of historically-informed musicians, and perform Bach’s we will be Baroque tradition in so far as it is possible to do on modern instruments.”

“Christmas oratorio” — six cantatas, written by Bach for performance during the festive Christmas services in the main churches of Leipzig. Consistent presentation of the narrative of the gospel cantatas give the character a complete cycle, and luxurious instrumental lineup includes trumpets and timpani, makes them some of the most solemn, joyful and majestic creations of the German genius. The large-scale work for soloists, choir and orchestra will be performed in two evenings: January 4, will feature 1-3 parts of the oratorio, January 5 — 4-6 pieces. Performed participate vocal ensemble Intrada, is known as a very successful and reputable Russian interpreter of Baroque music.

Soprano Julia Lezhneva is one of the most popular Russian singers of his generation. She performs at the best Opera and concert stages of the world cooperates with the best orchestras and ensembles of Europe. She gained a reputation as a consummate performer of Baroque music, which is a Central part of her repertoire. Mezzo-soprano Verena Oseman successful concerts in classical and Baroque repertoire, in its discography an important place to record the Bach cantatas.

Icelandic tenor Benedict Christiansson — winner of the International competition. Bach in Leipzig (2012). He has been acting as bachowski singer, performs the role of the Evangelist in cycles of “Passion”, with the tenor part in the “Christmas oratorio”. Russian bass Stanislav Shvets was a soloist of “Helikon-Opera” demanded the major Opera houses of the world, member of the Opera festivals in Salzburg (Austria) and Glyndebourne (UK). She has collaborated with such outstanding musicians as Lorin Maazel, Valery Gergiev, Mikhail Pletnev, Vladimir Jurowski, James Conlon.