History & Mission: |
The Bach Concert Series (BCS) is located at Christ Lutheran Church in the historic Inner Harbor of Baltimore. The Bach Concert series presents a free concert on the first Sunday of each month (October through June) featuring the choral works of J.S. Bach as its gift to the community. Concerts begin with an illustrated introduction by Music Director, Maestro T. Herbert Dimmock, about the fascinating musical language of Bach and the texts he chose to set to music. Thus audiences learn that the music, so lovely to listen to, is truly a multi-dimensional work of art that communicates on many levels. Concerts are presented as intended by J.S. Bach, with professional, orchestral accompaniment, accomplished Baroque soloists, and a choir of 35. Many concerts also include famous works by J.S. Bach for the orchestra.
Bach Cantatas form the foundation of the programs. In addition to the monthly cantata, each program features one or two additional choral pieces by other composers on the theme explored by Bach in his cantata.
Each monthly concert also features a virtuoso concert organist. In addition to playing one of the great masterworks for the organ, the organist also plays an organ prelude based on the cantata's closing chorale (hymn). The audience is invited to participate in the concert by singing a contemporary version of that same hymn.
Each spring, the BCS presents one of Bach's large scale works in a ticketed concert. These include the B Minor Mass (BWV 232) in May, 2009 and the St. John Passion (BWV 245) in March, 2010. |