At the heart of the festival is a performance of one of Bach’s greatest and most significant vocal works—The Christmas Oratorio (Cantatas No. 1, 5, and 6). This masterpiece cemented Bach’s status as a first-rate composer during his time and established his role as Leipzig’s city cantor. The grand epic begins with triumphant trumpets and timpani and continues with breathtaking arias, performed by Keren Motseri (Netherlands-Israel, soprano), Nitzan Alon (alto), David Nortman (tenor), and Guy Pelc (bass), conducted by Andrew Parrott (UK), the orchestra’s honorary conductor.