The Baroque Age has gifted us with music that has seamlessly woven into the fabric of our lives. With its rich and complex compositions, the Baroque music continues to resonate with us even centuries later. The Calgary Bach Choir's upcoming concert on November 19th will feature a harmonious journey that combines the spirit of Thanksgiving with the anticipation of Christmas.
J.S. Bach's "Nun danket alle Gott": A Synonym for Autumn and Thanksgiving
With the arrival of autumn, the music of J.S. Bach’s Nun danket alle Gott (Now thank we All Our God) ushers us into the season of thanksgiving. Based on the German chorale tune of the same name, this music has become synonymous with autumn and the season of thanksgiving. The choral last movement practically dances and sings for joy, and will surely leave a lasting impression with the audience. The audience will also enjoy experiencing the entire cantata in all its glory.
French Baroque Noëls: A Prelude to Christmas
With the changing of seasons comes the anticipation of Christmas, a time of joy, warmth, and celebration. The French Baroque era is renowned for its simple, yet immensely singable and danceable noëls, which capture the essence of the approaching holiday season. In this concert, the Calgary Bach Choir will present one of Marc-Antoine Charpentier's beloved works. Based largely on French noëls, Messe de Minuit pour Noël is an abundant collection of well-loved French melodies that will warm your heart.
In addition to the two vocal works, the audience will also be treated to instrumental music for organ and chamber orchestra, all inspired by the joyful noëls of the French Baroque. Daquin’s Grand Jeu et Duo X is the Tenth movement of his Twelve Noëls for Organ and Michel Corrette’s Symphonie des Noëls No. 2, one of six Symphonies in Quartet Form based on French noëls.
This special concert will feature a chamber orchestra and a roster of exceptional soloists: Hannah Pagenkopf (soprano), Laura Styler (soprano), Aoife Bonaventura (alto), Tyler Fitzgerald (bass-baritone), and Antonina Cox, on continuo organ & harpsichord, led by Artistic Director Terry Edwards.
The Calgary Bach Choir’s Bach & Charpentier will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Knox United Church (506 – 4 Street SW, Calgary). Tickets are $25 (adults) and $20 (seniors) and are available online at brownpapertickets.com or at the door. Students over the age of 12 (with student ID) enjoy free admission.
For more information about the concert, please visit calgarybachsociety.com.
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Now in its 36th season, the Calgary Bach Choir specializes in the music of Baroque composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and beyond. They present outstanding Choir and Orchestra Concerts in November, March, and June with Artistic Director Terry Edwards.
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