Anthony Burton introduces Radio 3's special celebration of Christmas across
Europe and beyond, which brings together musical cultures from ten different countries, co-ordinated by the European Broadcasting Union. Finland
From the Kallio Church in Helsinki, festive music for choir and organ by Sibelius, Wldor and Naji Hakim. Talla Men's Ensemble,
Kalevi Kiveniemi (organ)
2.00 Belgium
The first performance of the Missa Christe Regem Gentiem by leading Belgian composer Benoit Memier , and music by Lassus, Frescobaldi and contemporaries. Xavier Deprez (organ), Namur Chamber Choir, Capella Sancti Michaelis , director Erik van Nevel
3.00 Denmark
The Holy Trinity Church in Copenhagen is the setting for a sequence of sacred choral music by Bach, Gade, Nielsen and others. Inge Bonnerup (organ),
Trinitatis Kantori , Trinitatis Chamber Orchestra, director Per Enevold
4.00 Germany
A performance of Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Bach's Christmas Oratorio from the Kreuzkirche in Dresden. Ingrid Schmithiisen (soprano), Elisabeth Wilke (contralto),
Marcus Ulmann (tenor), Gotthold Schwarz (bass), Dresden Kreuzchor, Dresden
Philharmonie, conductor Roderich Kreile
5.35 Slovenia
From the Gallus Hall in Ljubljana.
Andreja Zakonjsek (soprano), Marcus Fink (bass), Slovenian Radio Chamber Chorus, Slovenian Radio Children's Choir, Radio
Slovenia SO, conductor David de Villiers Tippett Fanfare No 1; Suite in D
Lojze Lebic Fantasy on Old Slovene Carols (first performance)
6.30 Hungary
From the Marble Hall in Budapest a recital given by Sandor Falvai and Ilona Prunyi of Uszt's Christmas music for one and two pianos, including excerpts from his
Christmas Tree suite and his oratorios Christus and Elisabeth.
7.30 United Kingdom
From King's College, Cambridge. Catherine Bott (soprano), BBC Singers, Choristers of King's College, Cambridge, Endymion
Ensemble, conductor Stephen Cleobury Stravinsky Mass
Francis Grier The Five Mysteries of the Rosary (BBC commission, first performance)