The premiere concert of sphere born.

— 4:00 pm — Johann Sebastian Bach’s Missa in A BWV 234,  and Cantata   BWV 115: Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit, Teodor Riccios’s Motet:  De Profundis, Chorales, chants, and psalms sung in liturgical context. Jeffrey Smith, directing Jacobs School of Music faculty and students, Daniel R. Melamed, explication.

The Bloomington Bach Cantata Project’s recent performance of BWV 100, "Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan," showcased a profound interpretation of Bach’s masterwork. The ensemble delivered a balanced blend of precise instrumental accompaniment and expressive vocal lines, highlighting the cantata’s themes of faith and trust in divine providence. Soloists conveyed emotional depth through clear articulation and dynamic contrast, while the choir’s cohesive sound enriched the overall texture. The performance upheld the project’s commitment to historically informed practices, offering the audience an immersive experience of Bach’s intricate musical and theological vision.

True Concord Voices of Immigrants is a community-focused program dedicated to amplifying the stories and experiences of immigrants through music and storytelling. The program brings together immigrant individuals and families to share their cultural heritage, challenges, and hopes by participating in choral performances and public events. True Concord Voices of Immigrants aims to foster understanding, connection, and appreciation across diverse communities, highlighting the contributions and resilience of immigrant populations within the broader social fabric. Through collaborative artistic expression, the program promotes inclusion and dialogue, creating a platform for voices that are often underrepresented.

True Concord Voices of Immigrants is a community-focused program dedicated to amplifying the stories and experiences of immigrants through music and storytelling. The program brings together immigrant individuals and families to share their cultural heritage, challenges, and hopes by participating in choral performances and public events. True Concord Voices of Immigrants aims to foster understanding, connection, and appreciation across diverse communities, highlighting the contributions and resilience of immigrant populations within the broader social fabric. Through collaborative artistic expression, the program promotes inclusion and dialogue, creating a platform for voices that are often underrepresented.

True Concord Voices of Immigrants is a community-focused program dedicated to amplifying the stories and experiences of immigrants through music and storytelling. The program brings together immigrant individuals and families to share their cultural heritage, challenges, and hopes by participating in choral performances and public events. True Concord Voices of Immigrants aims to foster understanding, connection, and appreciation across diverse communities, highlighting the contributions and resilience of immigrant populations within the broader social fabric. Through collaborative artistic expression, the program promotes inclusion and dialogue, creating a platform for voices that are often underrepresented.

The Bloomington Bach Cantata Project delivered a compelling performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s BWV 10, "Meine Seel erhebt den Herren," in October. The ensemble’s precise articulation and balanced orchestration highlighted the intricate contrapuntal textures characteristic of Bach’s sacred cantatas. Soloists demonstrated both technical skill and expressive depth, enhancing the spiritual intensity of the work. The choir’s clear diction and dynamic sensitivity brought the text to life, engaging the audience throughout the presentation. Overall, the performance was a respectful and insightful interpretation that honored the rich Baroque tradition.

Chorister

This celebratory opening event uniquely commemorates the 300th anniversary of four of Bach’s finest cantatas, highlighting the rarely performed Dramma per Musica, “Zerreißet, zersprenget, zertrümmert,” commissioned in 1725 by the University of Leipzig with a classical text adapted by Picander, Bach’s longtime collaborator and librettist. The affective range of expression achieved across these works is astonishing, revealing Bach in ways that our audience will experience live for the first time!

Gott, der Herr ist Sonn und Schild, BWV 79
Ihr werdet weinen und heulen, BWV 103
Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten, BWV 74
Dramma per Musica: Zerreißet, zersprenget, zertrümmert die Gruft, BWV 205

The Bloomington Bach Cantata Project’s September performance of BWV 60, "O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort," delivered a compelling interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach’s cantata. The ensemble skillfully navigated the intricate counterpoint and expressive vocal lines, highlighting the urgency and weight of the cantata’s themes. The soloists demonstrated clear articulation and emotional depth, supported by a well-balanced orchestra that brought out the rich textures of the Baroque score. The performance offered an insightful reflection on the concept of eternity and human mortality, resonating with both seasoned Bach enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

Love, Dance and Sing!

Voice and Piano

Join us for a festive opening concert devoted to love songs of Brahms for a choir of vocal soloists and piano.

​​​​Brahms: Liebesliederwalzer op. 52  
Brahms: Neue Liebesliederwalzer op. 65 
Brahms: Zigeunerlieder op. 103

Emily Yokum Black, soprano
Laura Atkinson, mezzo
Blake Beckemeyer, tenor
Jason Steigerwald, bass

Andreas Ioannides, piano
Seungkyu Oh, piano

José Maurício Nunes Garcia: The Sound of Brazil's Classical Legacy

(Bloomington, IN) Born in Rio de Janiero, the descendant of enslaved Black grandmothers on both sides of his family, José Maurício Nunes Garcia (1767-1830) earned lasting renown as a celebrated composer, conductor, teacher, Catholic priest, and Chapelmaster of the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral. Known today as one of the greatest exponents of Classicism in the Americas both for his own compositional output and for introducing new musical styles to his home country—including his conducting the first performance of Mozart’s Requiem—Nunes Garcia left an indelible mark on Brazil’s musical landscape. Latin American Baroque specialists Tonos del Sur, one of Bloomington’s most beloved ensembles, present a wide-ranging showcase of music by this favored composer of the colonial kingdom of Portugal, starting with Nunes Garcia’s first known composition, Tota pulchra est Maria, and centering around the stunning Mass for Our Lady of Sorrows. 

Back by popular demand, a performance of Handel’s cherished oratorio returns to Lafayette once again. Celebrate Eastertide by hearing the greatest choral/orchestral masterpiece in history performed by the Lafayette Master Chorale, soloists and orchestra in the acoustically thrilling St. Boniface Church. From the lyrical solos to the rousing choruses, this performance promises a unique chance to hear this monumental work and all of its splendor.

Mozart: Requiem
Marianna Martines: Dixit Dominus

Mozart's Requiem is a profound emotional journey that ranges from angst, sheer terror, and sublime transcendence. Experience the region’s first ever period performance featuring basset horns, natural trumpets, sackbuts and more – breathing new life to this consummate masterpiece. Left unfinished at the composer's untimely death, the Requiem was completed by Franz Süssmayer, offering a poignant glimpse into Mozart's final musical thoughts. The Mozart is paired with a performance of Dixit Dominus, by 18th-Century composer Marianna Martines who was a student of Haydn and was one of Vienna’s most prominent composers. She received more acclaim than perhaps any other female composer of her time, yet her name isn’t mentioned enough today. Dixit Dominus is a prime example of her skill in combining the Baroque contrapuntal tradition with the emerging Classical style.

Mozart: Requiem
Marianna Martines: Dixit Dominus

Mozart's Requiem is a profound emotional journey that ranges from angst, sheer terror, and sublime transcendence. Experience the region’s first ever period performance featuring basset horns, natural trumpets, sackbuts and more – breathing new life to this consummate masterpiece. Left unfinished at the composer's untimely death, the Requiem was completed by Franz Süssmayer, offering a poignant glimpse into Mozart's final musical thoughts. The Mozart is paired with a performance of Dixit Dominus, by 18th-Century composer Marianna Martines who was a student of Haydn and was one of Vienna’s most prominent composers. She received more acclaim than perhaps any other female composer of her time, yet her name isn’t mentioned enough today. Dixit Dominus is a prime example of her skill in combining the Baroque contrapuntal tradition with the emerging Classical style.

Mozart: Requiem
Marianna Martines: Dixit Dominus

Mozart's Requiem is a profound emotional journey that ranges from angst, sheer terror, and sublime transcendence. Experience the region’s first ever period performance featuring basset horns, natural trumpets, sackbuts and more – breathing new life to this consummate masterpiece. Left unfinished at the composer's untimely death, the Requiem was completed by Franz Süssmayer, offering a poignant glimpse into Mozart's final musical thoughts. The Mozart is paired with a performance of Dixit Dominus, by 18th-Century composer Marianna Martines who was a student of Haydn and was one of Vienna’s most prominent composers. She received more acclaim than perhaps any other female composer of her time, yet her name isn’t mentioned enough today. Dixit Dominus is a prime example of her skill in combining the Baroque contrapuntal tradition with the emerging Classical style.

Arizona Philharmonic
Quartz Ensemble
Dr. Joshua Harper, conductor

Dr. Joshua Harper returns to Prescott to conduct Arizona Philharmonic and Quartz Ensemble in J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion, BWV 245, acclaimed for its vivid depiction of the Passion of Christ through dramatic narratives, reflective arias, and poignant chorales. Dr. Harper’s 2024 Arizona Philharmonic and Quartz Ensemble concert received two separate standing ovations and was hailed as “breathtaking” and “exceptional,” worthy of the “top cities and venues across the United States.” Come explore the profound emotional depth and musical intricacy of the St. John Passion through the elegance and clarity showcased by Arizona Philharmonic and Quartz Ensemble’s unique partnership

Beckemeyer joins Tonos del Sur for Latin American laments and dance music of colonizers and indigenous peoples.

The oratorio deals with the Last Judgment. Allegorical figures are the Göttliche Stimme (divine voice) and the vices of avarice, frivolity and arrogance. The godless, seeking lust for life, are juxtaposed to the godly, pursuing piety, humility and joy of life. They expect the judgement in deep despair or in joyful expectation.[3] The music combines inwardness (Innerlichkeit) with dramatic impact.[4] (Wikipedia)

The oratorio deals with the Last Judgment. Allegorical figures are the Göttliche Stimme (divine voice) and the vices of avarice, frivolity and arrogance. The godless, seeking lust for life, are juxtaposed to the godly, pursuing piety, humility and joy of life. They expect the judgement in deep despair or in joyful expectation.[3] The music combines inwardness (Innerlichkeit) with dramatic impact.[4] (Wikipedia)

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Beckemeyer is a guest artist at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of music for a reprisal as the solo tenor for Luis Advis (1935-2004) Santa María de Iquique (1969).