THE Llewellyn Choir, conducted by Rowan Harvey-Martin, is embarking on an ambitious Christmas concert this weekend in the intimate surrounds of Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest.

Accompanied by the Llewellyn Sinfonia, with soloists, soprano Rebecca Collins and baritone, Rohan Thatcher, the choir will be presenting Joseph Rheinberger’s Christmas cantata “The Star of Bethlehem”, Opus 164, which recounts the nine scenes of the Nativity, including “Expectation” (chorus), “The Shepherds” (soprano solo and chorus), ‘The Appearance of the Angel” (soprano solo and chorus), “Bethlehem” (bass solo), “The Shepherds at the Manger” (chorus), “The Star” (chorus), “Adoration of the Wise-Men” (soloists or small chorus), “Mary” (soprano solo) and “Fulfilment” (chorus).

Complete with intense lyricism and pastoral choruses, a beautiful soprano part and the procession of the Wise men through the desert, this increasingly popular work for choral groups was written in 1890 to a libretto by Rheinberger’s wife Fanny.

The program will also include the motets by Anton Bruckner, “Os Justi” and “Christus factus est”, Peter Sculthorpe’s instrumental work “Awake glad heart”, and in a lighter vein, Andrew Ford’s “Wassails and Lullabies” and traditional Christmas carols.

“The Star of Bethlehem,” 6pm, Saturday December 17, Wesley Uniting Church, 22 National Circuit, (with supper afterwards). Bookings to trybooking.com

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