Hancock Church in Lexington, MA, will celebrate the New Year and Epiphany through music on Sunday, January 8, 2023.
At 10:00am, come hear a choir of 25 singers and an orchestral ensemble of 15 professional and amateur musicians perform A Bach Christmas! This is a special Cantata Sunday service with selections from many of Bach’s Christmas works, including the Christmas Oratorio. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio uses portions of the Nativity story from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew and makes frequent use of Lutheran chorales. Please come early to hear the entire prelude to the service!
“I believe music is at the very heart of the Christmas season,” said Mark Morgan, director of music at Hancock. “It captures the essence of this season and transmits it to us in a way far more visceral than words alone.”
Located in the heart of Lexington, right on the Battle Green, Hancock Church (1912 Mass. Ave.) is an open and affirming, immigrant welcoming church. All are welcome regardless of religious affiliation or belief. Handicap parking and listening assist devices are available. Find more information at www.hancockchurch.org or call (781) 862-4220.
Full Program of Music:
Selections from Orchestra Suite #4
Bouree I and II
Minuet I and II
La Rejouissance
“Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light” by Johann Schop, harm. J.S. Bach
“Zion Hears the Watchmen’s Voices” from Cantata 140
Jauchzett, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage from Christmas Oratorio
Recitative, Chorus, and Chorale from Christmas Oratorio, Part IV
“O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” by Philip Nicolai, harm. J. S. Bach
The Triumph Is Completed from Christmas Oratorio