The performance celebrates Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday with the Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 and Cantata 82
Chatham Baroque presents its annual “Joy of Bach” program on March 15th and 16th. The program, which activates Pittsburgh’s historical Calvary Episcopal Church, celebrates decorated composer Johann Sebastian Bach‘s most beloved works in honor of his 339th birthday.
Bach is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. His interest in music can be due to his family’s long legacy as musicians. From serving as music director to German Prince Leopold to his long and illustrious stint as music director of Leipzig, he was able to create and master his own style of music, one that combined traditional Baroque methods with innovative styles.
The performance begins with Bach’s “Prelude and Fugue in C BWV 547” before moving into his signature “Brandenburg Concerto No 6 in B-flat Major BWV 1051.” The second half of the program features “Ricarere a 6 BWV 1079” and “Cantata ‘Iche Habe genung’ BWV 82.”
“Chatham Baroque always eagerly awaits the month of March, bringing us harbingers of Spring, the vernal equinox, and the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach!”, said Chatham Baroque co-artistic director, Andrew Fouts. “Celebrate with us, in a tradition begun long ago with Pittsburgh’s beloved Don Franklin, as we perform iconic works of J.S. Bach, including the Brandenburg Concerto no. 6 and Cantata 82 Ich habe genug.”
Andrew Fouts is joined by fellow Chatham Baroque musicians Patricia Halverson (viola de gamba) and Scott Pauley (theorbo) plus talented guest artists including Johnathan Woody (bass-baritone), Kathryn Montoya (oboe), Daniel Elyar (viola), Paul Miller (violin), Martha McGaughey (viola de gamba), Rebecca Humphrey Diedrich (cello), J. Tracy Mortimore (bass), Justin Wallace (harpsichord & organ), Alan Lewis (organ prelude) and guest artist, bass-baritone Jonathan Woody.
Woody is a versatile and dynamic musician who maintains an active schedule as a performer and composer in New York and North America. Cited by the Washington Post for singing “with resonance and clarity,” Woody is an in-demand soloist, appearing regularly with historically informed orchestras, including Boston Early Music Festival, Apollo’s Fire, Pacific MusicWorks, Bach Collegium San Diego, Trinity Baroque Orchestra and New York Baroque Incorporated.
“This annual Bach program gives us the opportunity to gather some of our closest and most beloved colleagues from home and away to celebrate the monumental scope and influence of the music of Bach,” continued Fouts. “This year, we welcome the dynamic bass-baritone Jonathan Woody to transport and comfort with the achingly beautiful Cantata 82 Ich habe genug. I’m also excited to dust off my viola and welcome the wonderful and talented Kathryn Montoya, Rebecca Humphrey Diederich, Daniel Elyar, Justin Wallace, Paul Miller, Martha McGaughey, J. Tracy Mortimore and music director at Calvary Episcopal, Alan Lewis, to our stage.”
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Tickets for Chatham Baroque’s Joy of Bach are on sale now at https://www.chathambaroque.org/concert/chatham-baroque-joy-of-bach/.
Discounted early bird tickets for general admission and seniors are available through the end of the day on Friday, March 1st.
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