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The Â鶹Éç Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Sir James MacMillan in his majestic, radiant Christmas Oratorio, with soloists soprano Rhian Lois and baritone Roderick Williams.

Recorded at the Barbican on Friday 19th December. Presented by Martin Handley.

Sir James MacMillan: Christmas Oratorio

Rhian Lois (soprano)
Roderick Williams (baritone)
Â鶹Éç Symphony Orchestra
Â鶹Éç Symphony Chorus
Sir James MacMillan (conductor)

When Sir James MacMillan completes a new choral work the world takes notice, because few living composers write with more conviction or imaginative fire. 'We need this music right now' wrote The Spectator after the world premiere of his Christmas Oratorio in 2021, and this epic work finds both strangeness and splendour in the most familiar of sacred stories.

'Beauty is at the heart of our Christian faith', says MacMillan, and the Christmas Oratorio is more than just a choral celebration of the Festive Season. It’s a feast for mind and spirit; a sonic banquet of mystery, joy and white-hot inspiration. The composer himself conducts the Â鶹Éç Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, with two superb soloists – Rhian Lois and Roderick Williams.

To listen on most smart speakers just say 'ask Â鶹Éç Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert'.