Saint Nicolas, a fourth century Bishop of Myra (in modern-day Türkiye) is better known to us as Santa Claus.

Benjamin Britten’s cantata St Nicolas Op. 42, composed for choir and chamber ensemble with tenor as soloist and narrator, sets eight episodes from Saint Nicolas' life. The libretto by Eric Crozier dramatically explores the legends of Saint, from birth to his tranquil death.

Bringing this ravishing piece to life are rising Melbourne tenor Alastair Cooper-Golec alongside a choir of IOpera’s finest vocal soloists and Forest Collective ensemble, under the baton of Evan J Lawson.

We are delighted to be collaborating with IOpera in this undeservedly rare performance of this delightful and beautiful work by one of the unquestionably great musical setters of the English language.