Christmas with Britten
8 Dec 2012 7:30 PM
We would like to welcome you to join us in celebrating the story of Saint Nicolas, the 3rd century patron saint of children, seamen, and travellers, who was renowned for his generosity and kindness. Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicolas' feast day - December 6th - is still the main day for Christmas gift giving and festivities in much of Europe.
The story of Saint Nicolas will be brought to life by the Hamilton Civic Choir in their Christmas concert on December 8th, in a popular work for choir, tenor and children’s choir by English composer Benjamin Britten. The cantata Saint Nicolas presents legendary events in the life of Nicolas, including incidents such as drunken sailors saved from drowning in a dramatic storm at sea, and three small boys being pickled and then brought back to life!
The part of Nicolas will be sung by tenor soloist, Cameron Barclay, a Major Emerging Artist for NBR New Zealand Opera in 2010/2011. The Hamilton Civic Choir will narrate the story as eye-witnesses to the various events. The St Peter’s Junior Choristers will play an important role in the sections which depict the birth and childhood of Nicolas, and in the roles of the 'pickled boys' and the young Nicolas. Two pianists and two percussionists provide the accompaniment, which adds colour and sound effects to the story.
The second half of the concert features the female and male voices of the Civic Choir in contrasting styles of Christmas music. The women will sing Britten's A ceremony of carols, a series of beautiful carols and the men will perform a set of carols. There will be opportunities for the audience to join in the singing as well, both in Saint Nicolas – when the familiar hymns “All people that on earth do dwell…” and “God moves in a mysterious way…” are sung - and in the carols sung to end the concert.
Tickets: General Admission $5 - $30