Star singers, a world-class choir and the best-known holiday masterpiece – some of what the BFO has in store for its traditional Christmas concert. The program is no secret this time, and features four cantatas from Bach’s Oratorio, including the first, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the final cantata, exalting the power of the Lord. Julian Prégardien, a sought-after tenor for performances of Bach’s Passion, will take the stage in the role of the Evangelist, articulating the lyrics in his crystal-clear voice. Julia Lezhneva, often described by critics with the terms acrobatic and magical, will sing the soprano part in her angelic voice. Also on stage will be Olivia Vermeulen, whose voice stops even time itself and has been described as “clear as a bell.” The audience will also have the pleasure of hearing the flexible baritone of Hanno Müller-Brachmann. The choir movements will be performed by the Collegium Vocale Gent founded by the legendary Philippe Herreweghe.