Adelaide Cantata Band - Morning Star

Adelaide Cantata Band presents Morning Star, a glorious concert in anticipation of Christmas performed by a quartet of esteemed singers and Baroque instrumental ensemble.

Held in the CBD on Friday 11 December 2026, 6.30pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Adelaide, this is your invitation to bask in adorned and impassioned 17th & 18th century works performed on authentic period instruments. Plus, hear a composition that gently glimmers with hope from Adelaide’s own renowned composer Graham Koehne, To His Servant Bach, God Grants a Final Glimpse: The Morning Star.

Experience one of J.S. Bach’s most beautiful arias, in a performance of a reconstruction of the fourth movement, and the remaining extant movements from Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe (Glory to God in the highest), BWV 197a, which Bach composed for the first day of Christmas in 1728 or 1729. And, be treated to the buoyancy of an ambitious young Bach, with Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn (Prepare the paths, prepare the road), BWV 132, written for the fourth Sunday of Advent. 

Discover one of the most prolific Italian convent composers of the Baroque era, Isabella Leonarda, with her take on the ancient Christian hymn – the Magnificat. Leonarda’s Magnificat Op. 19 No 10, is a masterful setting which contains both grandeur and intimate polyphony -  a mesmerising and layered composition guaranteed to move your spirit. 

Hear the hauntingly beautiful Gegrüßet seist Du, Holdselige by German musician and composer Matthias Weckmann, whose music is aptly described as ‘cosmic’. This Baroque rendition of the sacred dialogue between Mary and Archangel Gabriel at her Annunciation (where according to the Bible, Mary is visited by the angel and told she is with child and will give birth to Jesus), is filled with soulful conversation and sheer beauty.

Join Adelaide Cantata Band for this very special evening concert, and celebrate the power of human creativity as it is best experienced – up close, live, and in excellent company.  

Performers:

Soprano: Gianna Guttilla
Alto: Emma Woehle
Tenor: Kim Worley
Bass: Nicholas Lester

Oboes / Recorder: Brendan O’Donnell
Violin 1: Ben Dollman
Violin 2: Elinor Warwick
Viola / Recorder: Anna Webb
Cello: Maiko Fujihara
Organ/Harpsichord: Andrew Georg