Christmas Oratorio

The Christmas Story Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248 Parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

At the historic Falls Church Episcopal

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio offers a reverent telling of the season’s story, following the rhythm of the feast days: the Nativity (Dec 25), the angels’ announcement to the shepherds (Dec 26), the Naming (Jan 1), the Magi’s journey (Jan 3), and the Epiphany (Jan 6). In this performance of Parts I, II, IV, V, VI, Evangelist Thomas Cooley delivers the Gospel narrative with distinctive clarity. Bach gives each moment its fitting character: choruses elevate the feast‑day praise with trumpets and timpani, arias draw us close in reflection, and chorales steady the heart in the voice of community. Rather than mere spectacle, the oratorio offers welcome space for gratitude and seasonal joy.

Tickets include a %20 group discount.

In 2025, Washington Classical Review recognized the Consort’s Christmas Oratorio as the year’s “best Christmas concert.”

Soloists

Clara Rottsolk, soprano

Janna Critz, Alto

Thomas Cooley, tenor and Evangelist

Edward Vogel, Bass

You can also join us for Talking Bach at 3 p.m.! This series of free pre-concert lectures by noted Bach scholar Michael Marissen is presented one hour before Director’s Series performances.

For a history of the Falls Church Episcopal established in 1732, see HERE.

Washington Bach Consort (WBC) is the nation's premier baroque chorus and orchestra dedicated to historically informed performances of 18th-century music on period instruments under the direction of Dana Marsh.