Colorado Bach Ensemble (Vocal & Instrumental Ensemble)

Founded: 2012 - Cherry Hills Village (Denver & Fort Collins), Colorado, USA

In November 2011, renowned J.S. Bach scholar Helmuth Rilling came to Colorado to headline the National Collegiate Choral Organization Festival in Fort Collins. His pupil Dr. James Kim (a professor at Colorado State University) witnessed firsthand the multitude of professional musicians who joined the festival just to perform J.S. Bach's music. Through this experience, Dr. James Kim realized that a festival-like structure could be used to bring nationally recognized performers together with local professional artists for a week of intensive rehearsals that culminated in performances of a major work by J.S. Bach.

Dr. James Kim immediately set out to achieve his vision of presenting high quality performances of J.S. Bach's music along the Front Range, and gathered advisory board and musicians to present Colorado Bach Ensemble's (= CBE) first concert in June 2012 with J.S. Bach's Mass in B minor BWV 232. Upon Dr. James Kim's appointment as Choir Director at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CBE established its home in the church's existing, vibrant music community and venue.

Colorado Bach Ensemble continues to provide stellar introductory experiences of J.S. Bach's music for residents throughout the Front Range via concerts, educational programs throughout the Denver Metro, and community outreach initiatives led by a growing staff and Board of Directors. The Ensemble's season now includes significant performances of major works twice each year interspersed with concerts of smaller works such as cantatas, and augmented by a growing educational outreach program in schools and community venues.

The personnel of the Colorado Bach Ensemble consists of a chorus of up to 32 singers and an orchestra of six to 35 players, depending on repertoire. The Ensemble has presented critically acclaimed performances of J.S. Bach's Matthäus-Passion BWV 244 and Johannes-Passion BWV 245, Mass in B minor BWV 232, and numerous cantatas and chamber music, with annual performances of George Frideric Handel's Messiah.

Programs

Main Concerts
Since its inception, Colorado Bach Ensemble has been dedicated to performing and promoting the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries. Each season the organization presents significant concerts of major works to audiences across the Front Range to critical acclaim. During the 2019-2020 Season Colorado Bach Ensemble featureed two performances of Handel's masterpiece, "Messiah", as well as performances featuring magnificent soloists in the Spring on concerts entitled "Celebrating Virtuosity: Concertos & Solo Cantatas."

Cantata Insights Series
Colorado Bach Ensemble's "Cantata Insights Series" gives audiences an opportunity to learn more about J.S. Bach's cantatas from the over two-hundred he created. In these popular and educational concerts, Artistic Director James Kim has a special way of explaining what he knows, drawing you into the wonders of J.S. Bach's music. After James gives his insights on a "guided tour" through one of the cantatas, the ensemble performs the work in its entirety, giving the audience a fresh perspective of one of J.S. Bach's magnificent works.

Education Programs
Few people are aware of the variety and sheer magnitude of the works of J.S. Bach. As such, education and outreach activities are extremely important to the Colorado Bach Ensemble.
The organization presents various education and outreach programs focused on teaching music appreciation as well as musical skill, and ranging from high school choir master-classes and open rehearsals to in-school workshops and performances. Dr. James Kim goes into schools or community ensembles to coach and enhance curriculum, after which students are invited to join a rehearsal and, oftentimes, to sing with Colorado Bach Ensemble's professional musicians.
Additional outreach programs focus on bringing J.S. Bach's music to underserved audiences throughout the Front Range. Colorado Bach Ensemble's signature program "Bringing Bach" brings small ensembles into nursing homes, community centers, and schools to present educational concerts. Musicians volunteer their time to prepare and present programs at locations identified by CBE staff and board members as well as current ensemble members.

Sources:
Colorado Bach Ensemble Website & Facebook page
Colorado Gives Website
Bits & pieces from other sources
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (September 2023)

James Kim: Short Biography | Ensembles: Colorado Bach Ensemble
Bach Discography: Recordings of Vocal Works

Links to other Sites

Colorado Bach Ensemble (Colorado Gives)
Colorado Bach Ensemble (Official Website)
Colorado Bach Ensemble page on Faacebook