Programme

^ Joachim Streckfuß and Leonhard Reso from the WDR Rundfunkchor Köln are replacing tenor Patrick Grahl who is unable to perform due to illness. For enquiries, please contact our office at 2836 3336 or email info@hksinfonietta.org.

One of the most monumental large-scale sacred works of Bach, Christmas Oratorio recounts the timeless story of the birth of Jesus, and remains a well-loved centrepiece for the Christmas season to this day. This December, Hong Kong Sinfonietta will be bringing the world-renowned WDR Rundfunkchor Köln from Germany to Hong Kong for the first time, as they join hands to present this profound masterpiece alongside leading soloists under the baton of Music Director Christoph Poppen.

* There will be a Meet & Chat session with Maestro Poppen in the City Hall foyer after the performance on 2 December

WDR Rundfunkchor Köln (Chorus)

“As a professional choir of international status the high demands of dynamic fine tuning and tonal balance do not cause the singers even the slightest difficulties.” Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung

“Very compelling.” Classics Today

• The programme of the WDR Radio Choir includes more than 170 world premieres by Schönberg, Henze, Stockhausen, Nono, Boulez, Zimmermann, Penderecki, Xenakis, Berio, Höller, Eötvös, Hosokawa, Pagh-Paan, Zender, Tüür, Mundry, etc.

Carolina Ullrich (Soprano)

“…She shifted with seeming ease between styles and ranges, highlighting her technical versatility and sensitivity…” Washington Post

“…Throughout the program Ms. Ullrich’s singing was notable for its attention to text, control and nuanced phrasing… She wielded her appealing, silvery voice to fine effect in which she elegantly segued between wistful and turbulent moods…” New York Times

• Prizewinner of various competitions, including the ARD International Music Competition, Bundeswettbewerb Gesang Berlin, International Robert Schumann Competition Zwickau, ‘Das Lied’ International Song Competition Berlin and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York
• Has sung under conductors including Sir Simon Rattle, Christian Thielemann and Omer Meir Wellbe

Ulrike Malotta (Alto)

• Prizewinner, Internationalen Sommerakademie Salzburg (Mozarteum) 2015

Jonas Müller (Bass)

• First prize, young category of the Louis Spohr Competition 2018
• Winner, Dan-Canto Prize 2019

Christoph Poppen (Music Director/Conductor)

“Christoph Poppen brought out a broad soundscape from the orchestra.” Süddeutsche Zeitung

• Principal Conductor, Cologne Chamber Orchestra
• Principal Guest Conductor, Israel Chamber Orchestra
• Artistic Director, Marvão International Music Festival, Portugal
• Music Director, Deutsche Radio Philharmonie (2007-2011)
• Artistic Director, Munich Chamber Orchestra (1995-2006)

Featured artists:

Christoph Poppen
(Music Director)

Carolina Ullrich
(Soprano)

Ulrike Malotta
(Alto)

Jonas Müller
(Bass)

WDR Rundfunkchor Köln
(Chorus)