Magnificat - A Special Goethe Choir Christmas

Aisling Kenny, Soprano
​​​​​​​Éadaoin Hassett, Soprano
Francesco Giusti, Countertenor
Christopher Bowen, Tenor
Patrick McGinley, Tenor
Michael McCartan, Bass

Goethe Choir
St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Girls' Choir, Director Blánaid Murphy

Goethe Chamber Orchestra
David Leigh, Organ
John Dexter, Director

Claudio Monteverdi Magnificat from Vespers of 1610, SV 206
Heinrich Schütz Magnificat SWV 494
Michael Tippett Magnificat Collegium Sancti Johannis Cantabrigiense
Johann Sebastian Bach Magnificat, BWV 243

and Carols

by St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Girls' Choir

Angels’ Carol – John Rutter
The Snow – Edward Elgar
Noel Nouvelet – arr. Erica Phare
Gabriel’s Message – arr. Olivia Sparkhall
I Saw Three Ships – arr. Colin Mawby
Glorificamus Deum – Annabel Rooney

by Goethe Choir

Once in Royal David's City – arr. David Willcocks
Gdy sie Chrystus rodzi – arr. Józef Swider
Don Oíche úd i mBeith – arr. Mark Armstrong
Stille Nacht – Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr – sung in English, Irish and German

Joined this year by St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Girls' Choir, the Goethe Choir will present its annual Christmas concert, Magnificat, an evening of popular carols and distinguished choral repertoire. The program features four remarkable settings of the Magnificat by Johann Sebastian Bach, Sir Michael Tippett, Heinrich Schütz and Claudio Monteverdi—each offering a unique interpretation of the timeless canticle of Mary.

The Goethe Choir is pleased to present its annual Christmas concert, Magnificat, an evening of distinguished choral repertoire celebrating the season through sacred music. The program features four remarkable settings of the Magnificat by Johann Sebastian Bach, Sir Michael Tippett, Heinrich Schütz and Claudio Monteverdi—each offering a unique interpretation of the timeless canticle of Mary.

From the intricate counterpoint and grandeur of Bach’s Baroque masterpiece to Tippett’s expressive 20th-century vision plus Monteverdi’s brilliant late Renaissance and Schütz’s early Baroque elegance, this concert promises a rich and varied musical experience that honours both tradition and innovation. Together, these works offer a rich and varied reflection on the themes of joy, humility, and divine promise that lie at the heart of the Christmas story.

This year, the Goethe Choir, under the direction of John Dexter, will be joined by special guests St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Girls' Choir, Director Blánaid Murphy. Together the choirs continue their tradition of presenting choral music of the highest calibre. The concert promises to be a classical music highlight of the festive season, combining historical depth with artistic excellence.

Presented by Goethe Choir