Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Presents Bach's B Minor Mass

Join Sydney Philharmonia Choirs on Easter Saturday, for an epic presentation of one of JS Bach's greatest choral works, his majestic B Minor Mass. Composed over the course of 16 years at the pinnacle of his power, this much lauded example of 18th Century sacred music was the largest and most adventurous undertaking of a mass settings of its time. Weaving moments of grandeur with intimate solo arias, the symphony draws on elements from across Bach's lifetime of compositions, conveying every aspect of the genius that gives his music its timeless power.

An annual highlight for Sydney-based music audiences, Sydney Philharmonia's Easter-tide Bach concerts have developed a cult-like following, regularly garnering both audience and critical acclaim. Under the direction of one of Australia's foremost choral conductors, Brett Weymark, the Bach series has been recognised as 'bringing new insights to old masterpieces' (Sydney Morning Herald), including in recent years, the St. John and St. Matthew Passions, two of the most vocally demanding compositions performed by choral groups today.

Weymark comments, "The Choirs have been going from strength to strength in performing Bach, so it is only fitting that we now progress to his mighty B Minor Mass."

"It is also especially fitting that this piece be chosen for our annual Easter Saturday performance. Bach's opus captures much of the drama of the passions - the pain of the crucifixion and the joy of the resurrection, bringing resonance and majesty to the performance, presented in the magnificent surrounds of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall," he concludes.

Heroic in scope and all-encompassing, a performance of the B-minor Mass calls for virtuoso voices and colourful orchestration, including rarely heard Baroque trumpets, Corno di Caccia and timpani.

For this one-off performance, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is delighted to be joined by four of Australia's finest baroque soloists - Janet Todd, soprano; Sally-Anne Russell, mezzo- soprano; Andrew Goodwin, tenor; and David Greco, baritone, with the magnificent sound of the Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra, led by Brett Weymark.

Book now for this unmissable performance - 1pm, Saturday March 31 at the Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall. http://www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/bach-b-minor-mass/.

Ticketholders are also invited to learn more about Bach and the B Minor Mass at a free pre-concert talk held in the Northern Foyer 45 minutes prior to the performance, presented in association with Fine Music FM and Sydney Opera House.

Established in 1920 to celebrate and share the joy of singing, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is currently preparing for its centenary celebrations in 2020.

Bookings: http://www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/bach-b-minor-mass/

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