Repertoire

Ave Maria

Robert Parsons

Magnificat, BWV 243

Johann Sebastian Bach

Orchestral Suite No.3 in D major, BWV 1068, VI. Gigue

Johann Sebastian Bach

A Christmas Carol arrives as a newly co commissioned musical story by Rowan Benedict Sheehan, created for The Bach Choir of Bethlehem and Music in the Somerset Hills. Narrator, soloists, chorus, and chamber orchestra carry Dickens’s beloved tale in one continuous sweep, weaving carols such as God rest you merry, gentlemen, the Sussex Carol, and It came upon the midnight clear directly into the prose. The music traces Scrooge’s transformation from shadowed solitude to renewed life at the Cratchit family table, inviting us to consider how shared song can change hearts and draw neighbors closer.

Repertoire

Fantasia in G minor, BWV 542a

Johann Sebastian Bach

The New Becker Psalter: Psalm 84

Austin Philemon

Cantata 181 "Leichtgesinnte Flattergeister"

Johann Sebastian Bach

Magnificat super Chorale melos Germanicum

Heinrich Schütz

Fugue in G minor, BWV 542b

Johann Sebastian Bach

Austin Philemon, organist

Sunday, February 14th 2027, 5pm

To celebrate the debut of the new Fritts op. 54 organ, Bach Vespers presents Austin Philemon as organ soloist for this lenten vespers service, during which the New York Bach Choir will also present BWV 228, Fürchte dich nicht. Mr. Philemon has performed solo recitals domestically at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, St. Paul’s Chapel at Trinity Wall Street, and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Times Square, and abroad in Paris, France; Graz, Austria; Romainmôtier, Switzerland; Haarlem, Netherlands; Modena, Italy, and Höganäs, Sweden. He has been selected as a finalist in several major improvisation competitions including the National Competition in Organ Improvisation and the University of Michigan Organ Improvisation Competition, and also received first prize in the George R. Mathison Memorial Competition. 

Chelsea Chen’s dynamic playing has taken her to the far corners of the world. Her solo concerts offer a unique mix of traditional organ repertoire along with piano/orchestral transcriptions and contemporary music. The Los Angeles Times has praised her “rare musicality” and “lovely lyrical grandeur,” and a compositional style that is “charming” and “irresistible.” Chelsea has performed with numerous ensembles including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (a traditional Chinese instruments ensemble).To celebrate the debut of the new Fritts op. 54 organ, Bach Vespers presents Chelsea Chen as organ soloist for this lenten vespers service, which will also feature the return of the New York Bach Choir.

Conductor Christine Brandes joins Bach Vespers after recent performances with Florida Grand Opera, The Atlanta Opera, and Seattle Opera, and following a distinguished international career as a vocalist. No stranger to New York, Brandes has previously made her debut with the Trinity Baroque Orchestra at Trinity Wall Street in a program of Bach cantatas. In her return to Bach Vespers, she leads her own pastiche passion featuring works of Bach, Handel, and Graun for this Good Friday Tenebrae service.

Bach Vespers celebrates Easter with BWV 249 Easter Oratorio, featuring the full forces of the New York Bach Choir and Bach Vespers orchestra led by Austin Philemon. The Praetorius Tulerunt dominum meum opens the service.

Repertoire

Prelude in Eb Major, BWV 552

Johann Sebastian Bach

Tulerunt dominum meum

Michael Praetorius

The New Becker Psalter: Psalm 118

Johann Sebastian Bach

Easter Oratorio, BWV 249

Johann Sebastian Bach

Meine Seele erhebt den Herren, BWV 348

Johann Sebastian Bach

Fugue in Eb Major, BWV 552

Johann Sebastian Bach

Claudio Monteverdi’s VESPERS OF 1610 is a monumental compilation of the best of the old (Renaissance) and the newest of the new (Baroque), with textures ranging from intimate motets to grand fanfares, echo duets to 8-part choruses, Gregorian chant to operatic virtuoso lines. It is Dr. Anne’s favorite piece in honor of her 40 years with Harmonium, featuring Harmonium Choral Society in collaboration with Music in the Somerset Hills, with the period instrument magic of The Sebastians, many fantastic soloists from Harmonium, and the warm tenor of Stephen Sands.

Nathaniel Gumbs, organist

Sunday, April 11th 2027, 5pm

Nathaniel Gumbs is a native of the Bronx, NY and has performed throughout the United States and abroad, including Antigua, St. Thomas, Ghana, Paris, and Munich, and is consistently gathering new fans and followers. In a review of a recorded performance with bass-baritone Dashon Burton, The New York Times described Nathaniel’s playing as “mature, lyrical, accurate and energetic,” and that his performance was presented “deftly and with feeling.”To celebrate the debut of the new Fritts op. 54 organ, Bach Vespers presents Nathaniel Gumbs as organ soloist for this celebratory Easter season vespers service, which will also feature the return of the New York Bach Choir.

ENSEMBLE VERITAS

Ensemble Veritas is the professional vocal ensemble in residence at Harvard University, serving as a cornerstone of the Harvard Choral New Music Initiative (HCNMI). Under the artistic direction of Andrew Clark and the management of Stephen Sands, the ensemble collaborates closely with student composers to bring their new works to life.
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Comprising professional singers at the top of their field from all over the East Coast, Ensemble Veritas works side-by-side with students in composition, conducting, and performance, offering an incomparable musical experience. Each season, the ensemble workshops and premieres a wide range of student-composed works, providing high-level interpretation and specific musical feedback throughout the creative process. 

In addition to its core role with HCNMI, Ensemble Veritas performs as featured soloists and within the Harvard Choruses, contributing to major concert productions and special events.

Bach Vespers celebrates the Ascension with BWV 11 Ascension Oratorio featuring the full forces of the New York Bach Choir and Bach Vespers orchestra led by Director Robby Meese. Also featured in this service are works by Handel, and Capricornus. Join us for the conclusion of our 59th season, which will include an announcement of the massive 60th anniversary season to come.

Repertoire

Prelude in D Major, BWV 532

Johann Sebastian Bach

Ascendens Christus

Jacob Handl

The New Becker Psalter: Psalm 110

Austin Philemon

Ascension Oratorio, BWV 11

Johann Sebastian

Magnificat

Samuel Capricornus

Postlude in D Major, BWV 532

Johann Sebastian Bach