Ah, Bach

Economic turmoil may be wreaking havoc with various arts institutions, but the Bach Concert Series is doing just fine. In fact, the group seems to be thriving, and it wraps up this season with a free concert tomorrow at Christ Lutheran Church, 701 South Charles Street.  The 75 minute concert starts at 4 pm.

Here's what you can expect, according to BCS Member Jackie Scott...

To open the concert, Music Director T. Herbert Dimmock will lead the orchestra in one of Bach's short instrumental works, Air from Overture, BWV 1068.

Next, Maestro Dimmock will demonstrate (using the orchestra and/or singer) Bach's musical language in the featured cantata.  These music examples are a unique feature of the Bach Concert Series.

This month's selection is Bach Cantata 51, "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen" (Praise God in Every Nation).  This is a crowd-pleaser, featuring pyrotechnics for the soprano soloist (Jennifer Waters) and the solo trumpet (Elisa Koehler). 

This church has recently installed one of the most magnificent organs on the East Coast.  After the cantata, the concert organist (David Huggins) will play an organ prelude based on the chorale; then, the audience is invited to sing the chorale with the singers. His short recital selection will be Buxtehude's Te Deum laudamus. 

The BCS Choir will close the concert with one or two a cappella songs on a related theme.

Since we are a free concert series, donations are collected to help offset our own concert expenses.  However, this month, we have chosen to dedicate this concert as a fundraiser for Baltimore Outreach Services, a shelter and support services for homeless women and children.  All concert donations will be given to Baltimore Outreach Services and will be matched by the Thrivent Foundation.

Great music and a great cause... Sounds like an excellent way to spend a Sunday afternoon.