When Rowen Fox discovered Rheinberger’s The Star of Bethlehem he knew it would be a beautiful Romantic-era work for Phoenix Choir to perform. This setting of the Christmas story with shepherds, angels and the wise men following the star is often performed in Germany but too rarely heard in Australia. The challenge was how to stage a Blue Mountains premiere of the work using the very best of local talent.
Fox’s solution is to present a new arrangement of the work for wind and piano ensemble with three exceptional wind players. Michael Scott (flute), Jane Stacy (oboe and cor anglais) and James Renwick (clarinet) have distinguished careers as teachers and performers in orchestras and chamber groups across Australia. They join with Janette Norcott (piano) and local soloists Briony Davidson (Soprano) and Henrik Eneberg (Bass). The solo wind instruments combine with choir and soloists to capture the exotic lyrical style of this charming work.
In this seasonal cantata, the Christmas story is told in a new English translation through a series of songs and pastoral choruses. Shepherds and angels also feature in carols and other popular works that complete the concert program.
Phoenix Choir premiere Rheinberger’s The Star of Bethlehem at 4pm on Saturday, December 2 at St Hilda’s Anglican Church, Katoomba and at 3pm on Sunday, December 3 at Blackheath Uniting Church. Tickets $25 (concession $20) online at phoenixchoir.org.au/tickets or at the door.