The Bach Society opens its 2005-2006 Season with the first Bach Vespers on October 9 at 5:00 p.m. The Bach Choir and Orchestra under the direction of music director Albert LeDoux will present J.S. Bach’s Cantata 16, Herr Gott dich loben wir, and works by Georg Philipp Telemann and Igor Stravinsky. The text of Herr Gott, dich loben wir is Martin Luther’s German version of the Te Deum which inspired Bach to write unusually extroverted and joyful music. The cantata was originally written for New Year’s Day, but the prayers for blessing, peace, and prosperity in the coming year seem perfectly appropriate for the beginning of the Society’s new season.
After the service, the popular annual Oktoberfest will be held in the courtyard (weather permitting) featuring bratwurst, sauerkraut, beer, and other German delicacies, including—according to experience—the spontaneous and hearty rendition of German folk songs.
A new series of Chamber Music concerts, offering music in the more intimate setting of the parish hall, will be inaugurated on October 16 at 7:30 p.m. with a concert by two prominent former Houstonians now living in Amsterdam. Baroque violinist Mimi Mitchell and harpsichordist Christina Edelen will present a fascinating program entitled “Timeline to Bach” tracing early sonatas which directly influenced Johann Sebastian Bach’s chamber music works. Seating for the Chamber Music concerts is very limited; visitors are encouraged to arrive early.
On Reformation Sunday, October 30, the Bach Choir and Orchestra will present a Festival Vespers Service honoring the 60th anniversary of Christ the King Lutheran Church. The cantata O ewiges Feuer, O Ursprung der Liebe will be the musical centerpiece of the service. Under the direction of Albert LeDoux, the Bach Choir will also sing Mendelssohn’s lush setting of Psalm 43, Richte mich Gott, and Jakob Handl’s Pater Noster, both scored for eight-part chorus. The service begins at 5:00 p.m.
The Bach Society offers its programs to the entire community without admission charge. We rely on the generous support of private donors and foundations in addition to free-will offerings received at our events. Please consider joining the Bach Society through a generous membership contribution. You can find information on contributing to the Society as well as the complete musical program for 2005-2006 in our season brochure or on our newly-designed website.