Oratorio de Noël in Paris

Camille Saint-Saëns' Christmas Oratorio, written in just under two weeks for its 1858 premiere, receives a rare performance at a Paris venue. Scored for five soloists, mixed chorus, organ, harp and strings, the work blends Baroque oratorio structure with lyrical, subdued passages.

Attendees can expect ten movements beginning with an instrumental prelude, building from a single soloist to full choral and orchestral forces. Saint-Saëns drew on Latin Vulgate texts from the Christmas liturgy, creating a contemplative rather than dramatic atmosphere.

The event offers a chance to hear a masterpiece of French sacred music in its intended seasonal context, with the organ playing a central role throughout.