A fixture on the Christmas calendar, this ever-changing program, now in its eighth incarnation, is testament to the fact that throughout history, composers have produced some of their liveliest and most engaging work for the Christmas season. The 2026 program provides a glimpse of festivities in the Low Countries, Germany, Italy, Spain, England and Australia.
“a professional choir at the top of its game”
Elizabeth Quinn, Limelight, 16.12.24
“a virtuoso ensemble with a burgeoning international reputation”
Barney Schwartz, The Age, 14.12.22
PROGRAM
Directed by Douglas Lawrence and Elizabeth Anderson
TWO WORKS BY JOSQUIN DES PREZ
Ave Maria
‘Gloria’ from the Missa Pange Lingua
TWO SETTINGS OF ANGELUS AD PASTORES AIT
The angels said unto the shepherds
Raffaella Aleotti (c.1574–1646)
Michael Praetorius (1571–1621) [Australian premiere]
TWO SETTINGS OF O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM
O great mystery
Tomas Luis de Victoria à 4
Giovanni Gabrieli à 8
TWO SETTINGS OF IN DULCI JUBILO
In sweet rejoicing
Samuel Scheidt (1587–1654) à 8
Robert Pearsall (1795–1856) à 8
THREE GERMAN MOTETS
Adam Gumpelzhaimer (1559–1625) Vom Himmel hoch
Michael Praetorius Es ist ein Ros; Singt und klingt
HODIE CHRISTUS NATUS EST
Today Christ is born
Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562–1621)
THREE AUSTRALIAN CAROLS
Alan Holley (born 1954) Carol of the Butcherbird; Carol of the Two Crows
Henry Handel Richardson (1870–1946) Triste Noel
LOBET DEN HERRN ALLE HEIDEN
Praise the Lord all ye nations
Johann Sebatian Bach (1685-1750)
Book your concert tickets now. Each program features a Melbourne concert, and concerts in regional Victoria. The internationally acclaimed Australian Chamber Choir performs in Australia and Europe.