Shortly before Christmas – on Saturday, December 16, 2023 – the Christmas Oratorio by J.S. Bach is performed annually at the Wilten Basilica.
Under the direction of Johannes Stecher, the choir and soloists of the Wiltener Sängerknaben perform. Following the traditions of Bach’s time, all solos are sung by the choir: boys take on the soprano and alto solos, further solos are sung by Pascal Ladner (countertenor), Matteo Rasic (tenor), Samuel Strobl (tenor), Oliver Sailer (bass), and Victor Dublyansky. The Baroque orchestra Academia Jacobus Stainer, featuring numerous specialists in period instruments, evokes a contemplative atmosphere and sets the tone for the Christmas holidays. The choir and soloists narrate the story of the birth of Jesus, brilliantly composed by one of the greatest composers in human history.
The first three cantatas will be sung at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 16.12., and cantatas four to six at 7:30 PM.
This year, the concert will be recorded by television; therefore, due to moving cameras, there might be slight visual disturbances.
Between the two parts of the concert, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, the cultural guesthouse Bierstindl offers a special menu, which can be booked along with concert tickets if interested.
Tickets – with or without culinary options – are available in advance through Austria Ticket and the Innsbruck Information at Burggraben. The seating in the church is divided into three categories and numbered. Very warm clothing is advised.
