York Musical Society Chorus and Orchestra will perform JS Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in York Minster under the baton of Philip Moore next Saturday at 7.30pm.

For Bach’s set of sacred cantatas unified by the narrative of the Christmas story, the society will be joined by four young soloists: Nicholas Mulroy will perform the role of Evangelist alongside soprano Lorna Anderson, contralto Annie Gill and bass Timothy Jones.

Bach’s setting of texts from the Gospels of St Matthew and St Luke opens with a gloriously festal chorus that conveys the excitement and importance of the Christmas message.

“The work has moments of high drama and of quiet contemplation; the whole is arresting and uplifting,” says Philip.

Tickets are available at £8 to £17 from the Minster box office, tel 0844 939 001 and via email to boxoffice@yorkminster.org