Benjamin Britten Saint Nicolas (A Cantata for Christmastide)

Saint Nicolas, a fourth century Bishop of Myra (in modern-day Türkiye, is today better known to us as Santa Claus. Composer Benjamin Britten here sets eight episodes from Nicolas' life, from birth to his tranquil death (using words by librettist Eric Crozier) for choir and orchestra, all introduced and narrated by a tenor soloist (here sung by rising Melbourne tenor Alastair Cooper-Golec) and described by a choir (of some of Melbourne's finest vocal soloists), all ravishingly scored for strings, piano duet, organ and percussion.

IOpera is delighted to be collaborating with the innovative Melbourne ensemble Forest Collective, under the baton of Artistic Director, Evan J. Lawson, in his undeservedly rare performance of this delightful, and ultimately ravishingly beautiful, work by the one of unquestionably great musical setters of the English language.

Suitable for older children (mild Adult themes). Running time: approximately 1 hour.