The Christmas Concert is one of the traditional fixtures at Müpa Budapest, and will be conducted on this occasion by György Vashegyi, a leading figure on the Hungarian early music scene. This evening, however, the Purcell Choir will be accompanied in a performance of Bachs six-cantata Christmas Oratorio not by regular sister ensemble the Orfeo Orchestra, but by a special guest ensemble. The Norwegian Baroque Orchestra is among the longest-established and most important period performance ensembles in Scandinavia, a region perhaps little recognised for its early music traditions. Formed in 1988, the orchestra frequently performs as a guest at prestigious festivals not only in Norway, but all across Europe. Andrew Parrott, one of the key personalities in the European early music movement, played an important role in shaping the profile of the ensemble, which collaborated with the conductor in numerous productions before bringing in a fresh intake of young musicians in 2007. Since then, its artistic director is Gottfried von der Goltz, concertmaster of the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, a leading historical performance ensemble.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest