Oratory Bach Ensemble is a professional chamber choir and period instrument orchestra striving to present world-class performances of J.S. Bach's sacred cantatas within historically informed worship services. As soloists, theologians, and music historians, we hope to transform the antiquity of Baroque music into concert experiences of powerful relevancy through: exceptional artistry, honored authenticity, and engaged community.
The musicians in Oratory Bach Ensemble are members of The Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Oregon Bach Festival, Colorado Bach Project, Lyra Baroque Orchestra, VocalEssence, Apollo Master Chorale, and The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists. They gather together with audiences to engage in the marvels and mysteries of J.S. Bach.
They strive to be servants to score, viewing cantatas through a theological, historical, and musical lens - an approach of joy, awe, and humility. They play on Baroque-period instruments to capture the tone and timbre of the period. And we perform J.S. Bach's sacred cantatas in worship - just as they originally were - to better experience his interpretations of theology through song.
They are reminded that J.S. Bach's cantatas are not artifacts, but artwork written for a people, a place, and a purpose. Therefore, they strive to connect the then with the now by engaging concert goers, online listeners, and donors alike as essential, dynamic voices.
The Founder and Artistic Director of Oratory Bach Ensemble is Matthew J. Olson |
Violins: Marc Levine, Kayla Moffett, Miriam Scholz-Carlson
Violas: Steve Staruch, Emily Hagen
Cello: Christy Libbus
Viola da gamba: Julie Elhard
Double-bass: David Williamson
Oboes: Stanley King, Ellen Rider
Bassoon: Joseph Jones
Organ: Tami Morse, Steve Self, Kraig Windschitl |