Christmas Day 1723 marks a turning point in the history of music. Johann Sebastian Bach, who had taken up his post as Thomaskantor a few months earlier, led the one o’clock vespers in the Nikolaikirche with what was to become one of the greatest European masterpieces of sacred music: his Magnificat. It celebrated Christmas Day, shared between its three churches – the Thomaskirche, the Paulinerkirche and the Nikolaikirche – where the Magnificat, Sanctus, and Cantata BWV 63, were played in turn, accompanied by spiritual hymns.

Le Poème Harmonique has now recreated the course of this memorable day in a programme in which Vincent Dumestre has returned to the original versions of the works played: the Magnificat in its original version in E flat, with the insertion of the hymns between the movements; the Cantata BWV 63: “Christen, Ätzet diesen Tag”; the Sanctus, and a chorale sung here in the timbre of the famous Jesu, meine Freude. A chance to relive an eminent Christmas Day in 1723 in the company of the most famous composer of the Baroque era.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Magnificat

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Sanctus BWV 238

Cantate Christen, Ätzet diesen Tag BWV 63

Magnificat de la nativité en mi bémol majeur BWV 243A

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

REDUCED RATE : applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).

GROUP RATES : for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

In case of any technical problem, the box office service remains available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).

To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone.