“Bach at the Sem,” the Sunday afternoon concert series at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, begins its 19th season this fall. Four concerts will be performed in the seminary’s Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus — all begin at 3 p.m.
In the first concert Oct. 10, Artist-in-Residence and Conductor Rev. Robert Bergt will lead The American Kantorei, Chamber Chorus, soloists and orchestra in J.S. Bach’s “Mass in B Minor,” performing the “Kyrie” and “Gloria in Excelsis.”
The “Credo,” “Sanctus” and “Agnus Dei” will be performed in the second concert Dec. 5. The chorus of 30 singers and orchestra of 21 musicians perform with styles reflecting the Baroque techniques.
On Feb. 13, Organist Dennis Bergin will perform four of Johann Ernst’s and Antonio Vivaldi’s concerti as transcribed by Bach.
On April 17, Palm Sunday, The American Kantorei will perform Cantata 4, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands.” The “Magnificat” will conclude the season on this day.
The American Kantorei is a choral and orchestral ensemble dedicated to the performance of church music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Neoclassical periods. The works of J.S. Bach form the core of its repertoire. Bergt is known as a symphonic and chorale conductor with a specialization in the music of Bach and other masters of the Baroque Period.
“Bach at the Sem” is funded largely through the generosity of individual supporters. There is no admission charge to the concerts, but free-will offerings will be accepted to support the series.
For more information or to be added to the “Bach at the Sem” mailing list, contact Concordia Seminary at 314-505-7362 or bach@csl.edu. Or, visit the seminary’s website at www.csl.edu.
Posted Sept. 29, 2010
