Benson Choral Society — Christmas Oratorio by J S BachDorchester AbbeySaturday, December 6“Come now with gladness” was the opening chorus line from the Benson Choral Society’s performance of J S Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, written for the Christmas feast days of 1734. Each of these soloists gave a fine, textured performance, taking different roles, such as the Evangelist, Angel and Herod as the Christmas story unfolded. These evocative instruments allow the audience to experience a sound similar to that intended by Bach when writing the oratorio. 29 — “Lord, thy mercy, thy compassion”) allowed the richness of these contrasting voices to shine against a delicate accompaniment. This was an accessible and highly enjoyable performance, sung in English and with tangible enthusiasm by Benson Choral Society.

Source: Express December 29, 2025 09:56 UTC