Christmas Concert

Hofburg - Schweizerhof

1010 Wien

 

Performers
Les Orpheistes · Chorus ALEA
Martin Sieghart, Conductor

Programme:

L. van Beethoven – Die Himmel rühmen, Op. 48/4 (choir & ensemble)
J. S. Bach – Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041
Emperor Leopold I – Work for ensemble
Two Christmas carols (choir & ensemble)
W. A. Mozart – Divertimento in B-flat major, K. 137
G. Mahler – Piano Quartet movement in A minor (for piano, violin, viola and cello)
F. Schubert – Credo from the Mass in G major, D. 167 (choir & string ensemble)
A. Bruckner – Two motets

A Christmas concert of rare stylistic breadth: Les Orpheistes and Chorus ALEA span the arc from Bach's crystalline A minor Violin Concerto, through a musical rarity from the pen of a composing Habsburg emperor, to Mahler's early, feverishly romantic piano quartet sketch. Beethoven's tender hymn "Die Himmel rühmen" opens the evening in a contemplative mood, while Bruckner's motets, with their soaring choral polyphony, provide moments of sacred, spine-tingling beauty. Mozart's cheerful Divertimento and two traditional Christmas carols bring festive sparkle and familiar warmth in between, before Schubert's Credo from the Mass in G major closes the evening with simple, heartfelt grandeur. A programme that skilfully interweaves chamber music, choral sound and spiritual depth — demanding, yet never over-intellectual, and perfectly attuned to the festive atmosphere of the Hofmusikkapelle.

Les Orpheistes
Under the artistic direction of the internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Prof. Mario Hossen, the Les Orpheistes Festival Orchestra stands for the highest musical quality. Known as a cultural ambassador of Vienna's heritage and celebrated for its innovative interpretations, the orchestra has earned acclaim in the world's most renowned concert halls.

Chorus ALEA
Chorus ALEA is a professional vocal ensemble founded in 2015 by Matthias Schoberwalter and Magdalena Janezic, performing regularly in Vienna and throughout Austria. Its repertoire spans from the Renaissance to the present day, with a particular focus on contemporary vocal music and rarely heard works. Through flexible line-ups, the ensemble combines musical diversity with stylistic openness.

Martin Sieghart, Conductor
With a rich and distinguished career, Martin Sieghart is one of Austria's most versatile artists. Alongside his successful career as a conductor, he has mentored numerous international students and founded renowned festivals. His time as principal soloist of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and his achievements as its conductor underscore his standing in the world of classical music.