Vancouver Bach Choir performs Benjamin Britten’s festive Saint Nicolas Cantata, November 30
Acclaimed Sri Lankan-born Canadian tenor Asitha Tennekoon stars as soloist in the joyous work
Asitha Tennekoon.
Vancouver Bach Choir presents Britten’s St. Nicolas on November 30 at 7:30 pm at the Orpheum Theatre.
For the first time in Vancouver Bach Choir’s 91-year history, it is presenting Benjamin Britten’s masterwork, the festive Saint Nicolas cantata, scored for multiple choirs, piano duet, organ, strings, percussion, and tenor solo.
Under the baton of VBC music director Leslie Dala, the piece will be performed by the Vancouver Bach Choir’s symphonic choir, Sarabande, and all five Vancouver Bach Children’s Choirs. The concert also features Stephen Smith and Kin Ming Wong on piano and the VSO School of Music Sinfonietta.
The famous 1948 composition features nine scenes and is based on a text by British opera librettist Eric Crozier. Originally written for the combined forces of several boys’ and girls’ schools, the dramatic work captures key moments in the life of the saint better known as Santa Claus. It evokes themes of magic, mysticism, and miracles.
Starring as soloist is Asitha Tennekoon, an acclaimed Sri Lankan-born Canadian tenor. He has performed with Opéra de Montréal, Tapestry Opera, Against the Grain Theatre, Vancouver Opera, Soundstreams Canada, Opera on the Avalon, Opera 5, and Opera Lafayette, among other organizations.
Ticket holders will receive access to a video recording of the performance on December 15; virtual viewing only is also available for purchase.
For more information, see Vancouver Bach Choir at https://vancouverbachchoir.com/events/brittens-st-nicolas/.
Related Articles
