This Christmas, the Assisi Christmas Concert will resonate through homes across Italy, broadcasting on December 25, 2024 at 12:25 PM on Rai 1, right after the Pope's Urbi et Orbi blessing. Following its 39th edition, this beloved tradition promises to deliver its unique themes of peace and fraternity through the power of music.
This year, the concert features an impressive lineup of international artists, including Palestinian singer Amal Murkus, Ukrainian-born Russian soprano Ekaterina Bakanova, and Israeli violinist Itamar Zorman. They will be conducted by David Giménez, leading the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai, all of whom aim to encapsulate the essence of Christmas.
The concert will showcase a splendid array of classical pieces and popular Christmas carols, ensuring something for every listener. Among the highlighted works are Franz Xaver Gruber's "Stille Nacht," Puccini's "O mio babbino caro," Mozart's "Laudate Dominum" from K339, and Dvořák's "Slavonic Dance No. 8, Op. 46." The program also features traditional Christmas favorites, including lively medleys of "Jingle Bells" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
Recording for the concert took place on December 14, 2024, at the Basilica Superiore di San Francesco, the very place where the cheerful strains of the orchestra will ring out to audiences worldwide this Christmas.
Throughout the concert, Amal Murkus will perform pieces such as Diary of a Palestinian Wound by Nizar Zreik and Torch of the Magi by Nassim Dakwar. Ekaterina Bakanova will sing the Ave Maria by William Gomez and will take on the aria from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi.
Itamar Zorman will shine as the solo violinist on “Nigun” from Ernest Bloch’s Ba’al Shem Suite and perform alongside the orchestra on Hungarian Fantasy Op. 45 by Franz Lehár. Franco Tangari will be featured as English horn soloist with Adagio for English Horn and Strings by Mozart as part of this vibrant lineup.
The venerable Coro Maghini under the direction of Claudio Chiavazza will contribute to the concert’s festive spirit by presenting moving performances, including Gounod's Judex and a medley of popular Christmas carols.
Bringing it all to crescendo will be the collective voices of Murkus and Bakanova, along with the orchestra and chorus, concluding the concert with the evocative Stille Nacht, encapsulating the very spirit of the holiday.
This event stands as not just a musical performance but as a heartfelt call for worldwide peace, echoing sentiments deeply rooted in the holiday’s message. The representation of diverse cultures through such performances furthers the collective human connection often highlighted during the festive season.
Throughout its history, the Assisi Christmas Concert has stood as a beacon of hope and joy, attracting not only musical contributions from across the globe but also uplifting the hearts and spirits of all who listen. Viewers can look forward to joining this remarkable celebration on Rai 1 as Christmas Day approaches.