Listening to Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” is a holiday experience like no other. Festival Chorale Oregon will perform the first four parts of Bach’s choral masterpiece, in English. The story begins with the birth of Jesus (for Christmas Day). The second and third parts feature the shepherds (for December 26 and 27). And the fourth part describes the naming of Jesus (for New Year’s Day).

Founding artistic director Solveig Holmquist conducts the 100-voice choir and symphonic orchestra with soloists Nicole Lewey, soprano; Olga Valdes, alto; Les Green, tenor; and Brett Peldyak, baritone