92nd Season & Festival
A Journey Through the Profound
Experience a landmark season featuring the 300th Anniversary of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, the Bicentennial Celebration of Beethoven’s Last Rites, special guest artists, the Bach Vocal Artists, and the monumental Berlioz Requiem.
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92nd Season Listing
Choral Masterworks
Berlioz Requiem Experience a monumental once-in-a-lifetime musical event as the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra perform Berlioz’s Requiem. Renowned for its massive orchestral forces and the thunderous “Dies irae,” this performance utilizes dramatic space to create an overwhelming, almost apocalyptic wall of sound. It is a profound exploration of solemn liturgical text through bold, transcendent orchestration.
A Classic Christmas A cherished Central Florida tradition; A Classic Christmas returns to the beautiful Knowles Memorial Chapel for a program of stunning holiday arrangements. Featuring the acclaimed Bach Choir, Orchestra, and Youth Choir, this reverent performance captures the timeless expression of the Christmas story through a rich, soaring sound. This year’s concert will also be filmed for a prestigious national broadcast on PBS stations.
Sublime Sounds This extraordinary evening features the urgent plea for peace of Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem alongside the dazzling virtuosity of Jongen’s Symphonie Concertante. Featuring the incomparable organist Paul Jacobs, the program blends lush Romantic textures with a thrilling showcase of organ and orchestra. It is a serene and sonic exploration designed to resonate with the soul long after the final note.
The Bach Festival
The 300th Anniversary: Bach St. Matthew Passion Anchoring our festival is J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, a cornerstone of sacred music celebrating its 300th anniversary. This monumental work provides a profound journey of emotional depth and spiritual gravity, serving as the heart of our annual Festival. Join us for a definitive performance of this sacred masterpiece that continues to define the choral repertoire.
Concertos by Candlelight: Brahms & Beethoven Witness instrumental brilliance with Brahms’ Violin Concerto, performed by Itamar Zorman, and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, featuring Byeol Kim. From Brahms’ sweeping Romantic warmth to Beethoven’s lyrical introspection and bold innovation, this program captures both intimate dialogue and heroic spirit. This evening of technical brilliance offers a masterful showcase of the expressive depth of two legendary composers.
Beethoven: Sacred Send-Off In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s passing, the Bach Festival Society recreates the music performed at his historic Ceremony of Life service. The centerpiece is Cherubini’s Requiem; a work Beethoven himself declared superior to Mozart’s and the premier model for the genre. This evocative performance honors the legacy of a musical titan through the works he held in highest regard.
Festival Recitals & Competitions The Festival atmosphere is heightened by a solo organ recital from the brilliant Ken Cowan, promising an evening of unparalleled elegance. Additionally, we are proud to host the 3rd annual National Oratorio Competition, a week-long celebration of masterclasses and performances. The event culminates in an exhilarating competition featuring eight of the nation's rising classical vocalists.
Visiting Artists
Roomful of Teeth Two-time Grammy Award–winning vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth redefines the capabilities of the human voice. Their signature blend of global vocal techniques and bold contemporary repertoire creates a visceral, world-class musical experience. This performance is a must-see for those seeking a fresh and modern perspective on the choral tradition.
Paul Galbraith Renowned as one of the greatest guitarists of our time, Paul Galbraith brings his innovative playing style and deeply emotive artistry to the stage. His unique approach to the instrument allows for a richer, more resonant sound that breathes new life into classical arrangements. Experience a master at work in an intimate setting that highlights his virtuosic talent.
Balourdet Quartet Winners of the 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Balourdet Quartet is acclaimed for their vibrant energy and technical precision. Having recently debuted at Carnegie and Wigmore Halls, this ensemble brings a fresh, masterful perspective to beloved classical works. Their performance is a captivating blend of emotional depth and the masterful synchronization of four elite musicians.
Insights and Sounds
The Boston Six Explore the roots of the late 19th-century American classical tradition with a program featuring "The Boston Six." This group of composers, including Amy Beach and Edward MacDowell, sought to establish a distinctly American voice within the European Romantic tradition. It is a richly melodic evening that provides a fascinating historical look at the pioneers of American music.
Low and Behold Celebrate the rich, deep sonorities of the Bach Festival Choir’s tenor and bass sections in a program that is engaging, entertaining, and "just plain fun." Moving through a varied repertoire of sacred and secular styles, the concert highlights both the power and the subtle nuance of male ensemble singing. It is a unique showcase of choral versatility and camaraderie.
Bach Vocal Artists
Fables, Feathers, and Fins Immerse yourself in a world of storytelling through music inspired by animals, myths, and whimsical creatures. The program centers on Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Unicorn, the Gorgon, and the Manticore, a lively madrigal fable blending humor and satire. This imaginative performance offers a delightful journey through moral reflection and musical wit.
Music for the Night Focusing on the mystery and beauty of the evening, this program features nocturnes that evoke a sense of calm and introspection. Centered on the lush harmonies of Morten Lauridsen and the suspended, dreamlike atmospheres of Eric Whitacre, the music provides a serene, contemplative experience. It is a night of soft, sustained harmonies that feel suspended in time.
A Plea for Peace Centering on themes of harmony, justice, and reconciliation, this program highlights the human desire for unity. The cornerstone work is Randall Thompson’s The Peaceable Kingdom, a powerful choral setting that envisions a world of collective hope. Through these biblical and secular texts, the Bach Vocal Artists explore the enduring pursuit of concord and peace.