Elemental Light - A Celebration of Sky and Sound

In a harmonious fusion of the classical and contemporary, the Calgary Bach Choir invites audiences to embark on an enchanting musical odyssey through time and space. Set against the backdrop of celestial wonders, "Elemental Light" promises to illuminate the senses and stir the soul with a captivating repertoire inspired by the vast expanse of the sky.

Under the baton of Terry Edwards, Artistic Director of the Calgary Bach Choir, and joined by Calgary's premiere chamber orchestra, Kensington Sinfonia, and esteemed soloists Hannah Pagenkopf and Jason Ragan, this concert promises an evening of sublime vocal and instrumental performances. With the celestial theme woven seamlessly throughout the program, listeners will be transported from the Baroque splendour of Handel to the transcendent contemporary compositions of Ola Gjeilo, Jessie Montgomery, and Donovan Seidle.

At the heart of the performance lies Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass, a modern masterpiece that captures the ethereal beauty of dawn through lush choral textures and shimmering strings. Excerpts from this captivating work will be brought to life by the Calgary Bach Choir and the Kensington Sinfonia, under the direction of Andrea Case and Genevieve Micheletti.

Venturing further into the cosmos, audiences will be entranced by American composer Jessie Montgomery's Starburst for String Orchestra, a mesmerizing exploration of celestial phenomena rendered in vibrant musical hues. Complementing Montgomery's celestial tapestry is Seidle's Chinook, an evocative homage to the windswept skies of the Canadian Rockies, performed with finesse by the Kensington Sinfonia.

Rounding out the program is Handel's Chandos Anthem No. 10 - The Lord Is My Light, a timeless expression of faith and triumph that shines with resplendent choral brilliance.

As the music unfolds, listeners will be transported across the vast expanse of time and space, from the celestial realms of antiquity to the boundless vistas of the contemporary imagination. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the world of choral music, "Elemental Light" promises an unforgettable journey through the cosmos of sound.

Join the Calgary Bach Choir and Kensington Sinfonia on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Knox United Church for an evening of celestial splendour and musical transcendence. Free admission for students with a valid ID.

Find out more