Christmas Oratorio
2009
by Johann Sebastian Bach
A scenic performance of the Christmas Oratorio at Berlin’s RADIALSYSTEM will turn into an expansive inspection and exploration of this composition. The work is to be performed simultaneously in several halls on various floors, in a tour of the entire building, in a version for actors, solo singers, two choirs, experimental ensemble, and orchestra. In a collaborative creative process together with the Knabenchor Berlin, Karl-Forster-Chor, Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop, the Free Jazz Formation Bauer 4 (Conny Bauer , Johannes Bauer, Matthias Bauer, Louis Rastig) and Graft Architects a version in its own right will be developed.
The result will be a tableau where conflicts will become visible as an overlaying of social contradictions. On the one hand, as a spectacle of public ritual. And on the other hand, as a debacle of personal existence. The rejoicing and exultation of long ago is contrasted with the sadness and misery of today. And the whining of today is contrasted with the rebirth of the utopian salvation of old. Each cantata will be the result of some adaptation. From the long infirmity of perfidious arrangements, the original emerges as a jewel.
With this project, NOVOFLOT begins to take stock of the Christmas Oratorio under new auspices. It will be a new exploration of its scenic potentials and a site-specific search for the interfaces where faith, love, hope becomes possible. In a spatial passage through the Christmas Oratorio lies the attempt of a manic rediscovery of the utopian potential that is intrinsic to the work. But also playful curiosity and the desire to newly explore one of the greatest works of music history in all its components and potentials.
Christmas Oratorio
Premiere
on 16 December 2009 at RADIALSYSTEM ·V·, Berlin
co-produced by RADIALSYSTEM ·V·
Ensemble:
Bini Lee Soprano
Hanna Dóra Sturludóttir Mezzo-soprano
Steffen Doberauer Tenor
Nils Cooper & Simon Robinson Bass
Johanna Falckner Actress
Julian Gerull & Ricardo Müller Actors
Bauer 4:
Conny Bauer Trombone
Johannes Bauer Trombone
Matthias Bauer Double bass
Louis Rastig Piano
Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop:
Aaron Dan & Stefanie Pfeiff Flute
Katrin Goschenhofer & Grace Flindel Oboe d’amore
Jörg Mohr & Maria Martinez Oboe/English horn
Heidi Mockert Bassoon
Damir Bacikin & Naama Golan & Maren Weinrebe Trumpet
Hannes Hierluksch & Fabian Musick Pauke
Anna Kathrin Faber & Elfa Rún Kristinsdóttir Concert master
& Mari Sawada & Rebecca Schneider & Daniella Strasfogel
& Dea Szücs & Paul Valikoski & Biliana Voutchkova Violin
Yair Lantner & Anna Sairanen & Grégoire Simon Viola
Boram Lie & Michael Rauter Violoncello
Kristjan Orri Sigurleifsson Double bass
Jermaine Sprosse Organ/cembalo
Choir:
Karl Forster Chor
Volker Hedtfeld Director Karl-Forster-Chor
Knabenchor Berlin
Karl-Ludwig Hecht Director Knabenchor Berlin
Team:
Sven Holm Direction
Vicente Larrañaga Musical direction
Graft Architekten (Thomas Willemeit, Lars Krückeberg, Wolfram Putz) Stage design
Daniela Selig & Anna Scholich Costume design
Laura Schmidt Dramaturgy
Malte Ubenauf Conceptual colaboration
Philip Kießling (halbbild) Video
Klaus Teltenkötter in Zusammenarbeit mit Graft Architekten Videospiel »Tiergarten«
Jörg Bittner Technical direction and lighting design
Dörte Wolter Production management
Symeon Ioannidis & Saori Tomidokoro Accompanist Teresa Reiber Assistant to the director and stage management Marcus Sambeth Assistant to the director Falko Nickel Stage design staff Henning Ströh & Jens Hecht & Stephen Molloy Team Graft Julian Eicke Assistant to the costume designers Vanessa Offen Press and public relations Emanuel Tschumi Graphic Design Isabel Schmiga & Alexander Zuckrow & Graft Photography Philip Kießling Documentation
