Spain, Canada, Poland… Baroque Christmases around the world

In Cuenca (Spain), a reconstruction of 18th-century Christmas liturgy

In Cuenca, in the province of Castilla–La Mancha (Spain), as part of the Sacred Music Week, the Portuguese Ludovice Ensemble presented a Christmas programme in the beautiful hall of the La Merced library. Centred on Giovanni Giorgi’s Messa Pastorale, the cornerstone of a reconstruction of the Christmas liturgy of the Royal Chapel of Lisbon in the 18th century, the ensemble — renowned for its work on Portuguese and French Baroque music — also performed works by Cardoso, Seixas, Palestrina and Scarlatti.

With the ensemble Ludovice.

In Quebec, Eternal Christmases with the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal

The Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal opened its Noëls éternels tour in Chicoutimi (photo), with a selection of some of the finest traditional German carols, choral masterpieces by J. S. Bach, Jacobus Handl and Michael Praetorius, as well as festive classics such as Silent Night and O Christmas Tree. Inviting audiences to sing along with the choir to rekindle the spirit of Christmases past, the tour then continued in Montreal, Quebec City and Trois-Rivières. A small wink from partners Germany in Canada and the Goethe-Institut: post-concert mulled wine (Glühwein) was on offer.

With the Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal.

In Stockholm, Christmas with Musica Gloria

As part of the Christmas edition of the Early Music Sweden festival, the Belgian ensemble Musica Gloria, directed by Beniamino Paganini and Nele Vertommen, presented — with soprano Perrine Devillers — its “French-style” Christmas programme, bringing together works by Charpentier, Clérambault, Mondonville and Corrette. Also on the festival programme was the Swedish recorder quintet Nordic Consort, joined by virtuoso Erik Bosgraaf, exploring English Renaissance Christmas music.

With Perrine Devillers, Erik Bosgraaf, Musica Gloria, Beniamino Paganini and Nele Vertommen.

In York (United Kingdom), a Christmas festival with Apollo’s Cabinet

Founded in 1997, the York Early Music Christmas Festival invites audiences each year to discover the richness of music associated with Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque, interwoven with Nordic sagas, stories and tales. The festival opened with Apollo’s Cabinet, presenting a Christmas version of Apollo’s Jukebox: Bach, Guido, Charpentier, Handel, Riccio… following an original format devised in 1672 by the violinist John Banister, whereby, for a shilling, audience members could choose their programme. Hence the idea of the jukebox. Also on the bill: Chiaroscuro Quartet & Consone Quartet, Fieri Consort & Camerata Øresund, The Marian Consort and Dowland’s Foundry.

With Apollo’s Cabinet.

In California, Chanticleer on its Christmas tour

The vocal ensemble Chanticleer, often described as “an orchestra of voices” for its wide-ranging repertoire and virtuosity, was founded in San Francisco in 1978 by singer and musicologist Louis Botto. Rooted in Renaissance music, its repertoire has gradually expanded to embrace a broad spectrum of classical music, gospel, jazz and popular styles, reflecting a strong commitment to contemporary creation. Its Chanticleer Christmas tour in California (Los Angeles, Sacramento, Carmel, Berkeley, Petaluma) has become a candlelit festive tradition. This year it coincides with the release of their new album Joy to the World, blending timeless carols, Renaissance masterpieces and new compositions.

With the ensemble Chanticleer.

In Gdańsk (Poland), Accademia del Piacere at Actus Humanus

At the Actus Humanus festival in Gdańsk, the Spanish ensemble Accademia del Piacere, directed by Fahmi Alqhai, brought back to life the Cancionero de la Colombina, one of the great treasures of the Spanish Renaissance, preserved for five centuries in Seville. This manuscript brings together around a hundred pieces from a distinctive Andalusian musical school of the 15th century. It was acquired in 1534 by Hernando Colón, son of Christopher Columbus and an exceptional bibliophile.

With the ensemble Accademia del Placcere and Fahmi Alqhai.

In Montreal, the St Gallen Choir closes the Bach Festival

The Montreal International Bach Festival came to a close at the Maison symphonique with its final concert, Bach’s St John Passion, performed by the choir of the Bach Foundation of Saint-Gallen (Switzerland) and the Festival Orchestra, conducted by Rudolf Lutz, with soloists Maya Amrein (continuo cello) and Zachary Wilder (Evangelist).

With Maya Amrein, Zacharie Fogal, the Saint-Gallen Choir and Rudolf Lutz.