Chamber Choir Ireland presents 'Two Stories'

Carissimi created the oratorio to bring bible stories to life. These vivid musical dramatisations came to resemble unstaged operas—every bit as dramatic, and easier to share with audiences.

'Jephte' (c. 1650) tells the story of Jephtha who, in exchange for victory in battle, vows to sacrifice the first thing he meets upon his return home—unknowingly offering his only daughter.

In the world premiere of a brand new commission, Stephen McNeff uses this same oratorio form to tell the story of Dives and Lazarus. Dives denies Lazarus food and drink, but his cruel attempts to drive the poor man away leave him mysteriously unharmed.

Hear these dramatic parables unfold in an evening of choral storytelling with Ireland's national chamber choir.