My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Mercury Chamber Orchestra to Present BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO and SONGS OF THE VIRGIN This December

Holiday programs will run December 13–21 as part of Mercury’s 25th anniversary season.

By:
Mercury Chamber Orchestra to Present BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO and SONGS OF THE VIRGIN This December

Mercury Chamber Orchestra will present two holiday programs this December as part of its 25th anniversary season: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio on December 13 and Songs of the Virgin: An Italian Baroque Christmas from December 18–21. Artistic Director Antoine Plante leads both events.

BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO

Mercury will perform J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 for the first time in the ensemble’s history. The curated program will draw from six cantatas composed in 1734, tracing the Nativity story through choruses, arias, and orchestral writing. The performance will feature the Mercury Singers under the direction of Betsy Cook Weber.

SONGS OF THE VIRGIN

Songs of the Virgin: An Italian Baroque Christmas will offer a chamber program of Italian sacred and instrumental works. Countertenor Michael Skarke will perform motets by Cavalli, Grandi, Rigatti, and Colonna. Instrumental selections by Merula, Cazzati, Falconieri, Bassani, and Marini will also be included.

ABOUT MERCURY

Founded in 2000, Mercury Chamber Orchestra marks its 25th anniversary this season. The Houston ensemble is known for historically informed performances and community-centered programming, continuing its mission to offer music that inspires, educates, and engages audiences.



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Direction of a Musical - Top 3
1. Michael Arden - The Lost Boys
29.4% of votes
2. Tim Jackson - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
12.9% of votes
3. Lear deBessonet - Ragtime
12.6% of votes

Need more Houston Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


The Stable Genius in Houston The Stable Genius
Midtown Arts and Theater Center (5/21-5/31) VIDEOS
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Houston Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
A.D. Players at the George Theater (6/24-8/02)
CLUE in Houston CLUE
CLUE (6/09-6/14)
Liverpool Legends "The Complete Beatles Experience!" in Houston Liverpool Legends "The Complete Beatles Experience!"
Stafford Centre (6/04-6/04)
Buena Vista Social Club in Houston Buena Vista Social Club
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (11/17-11/22)
Liverpool Legends "The Complete Beatles Experience!" in Houston Liverpool Legends "The Complete Beatles Experience!"
The Waco Hippodrome (6/05-6/05)
Reel 2 Real: Black Soundtracks Live!  in Houston Reel 2 Real: Black Soundtracks Live!
Pearl Theatre (6/19-6/19)
Black Boys Cry in Houston Black Boys Cry
The Deluxe Theatre (6/06-6/06) VIDEOS
Frankenstein  in Houston Frankenstein
Pearl Theatre (10/30-11/02)
Clue in Houston Clue
Hobby Center (6/09-6/14)