Brandenburg's Christmas Carol
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s Christmas Carol tour is an annual highlight for thousands of NSWalesers. As well as an opportunity to hear the fabled early instrument, early music band under its dynamic director Paul Dyer, the Christmas concerts always feature something extra in the form of a guest soloist or feature artist.
This year the gift package is extra large: the Brandenburg Choir and lutist Tommie Andersson - playing Vivaldi’s concerto for lute in D major.
The repertoire is the characteristic Brandy mix of adored classics and roads less traveled. Says Dyer: "the divine music in our Noël! Noël concerts was written over many centuries and comes from many cultures. It's the ideal nourishment for the soul when we need it most."
The program starts with Once in Royal David’s City, continues with plainchant and pieces by Hildegard von Bingen, Handl and less known works by Sammartini, Corelli and Palestrina; a group of traditional carols including the original and exquisite Stille Nacht follows and the big finish is, of course, O Come All Ye Faithful."
Mince pies and Brandys mandatory afterwards.
Noël! Noël! Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Brandenburg Choir under Paul Dyer; Church concerts: Knox Grammar Chapel, Wahroonga - Dec 9; St Peter’s, Cremorne - Dec 17; St Francis of Assisi, Paddington - Dec 18 ph: 9328 7581; Penrith: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre - Dec 12, ph: 4723 7600; City concerts: City Recital Hall, Angel Place - Dec 15-16, ph: 8256 2222
