Choral Arts Philadelphia Offering Hump Day Bach Concert Series
Members of Choral Arts Philadelphia.
Sometimes you’re looking for a little culture, but just a little. Let’s face it, a three-hour concert can seem like a daunting commitment compared to a lazy Netflix binge. For the last few years, Choral Arts Philadelphia has been stacking the deck in their favor with the monthly Bach@7 concert series which features world-renowned talent at a great price that will get you home at a reasonable hour.
Organizers aim to keep all of these Wednesday night shows to an hour or less. That doesn’t mean that the music isn’t top quality: In fact, this spring they’ll be presenting a world premiere from Philadelphia-based composer Andrew Lipke based on his 2011 album The Plague.
It’s why the ensemble has called their spring series Something Old, Something New. The program will feature works by Bach, along with numbers by modern composers such as Mark Rimple, Ross Edwards, Philip Moore, Jonathan Dove, and more. Each concert is pay-what-you-wish (a minimum donation of $20 is suggested), and there are beverages and refreshments after each performance, plus a chance to mingle with the artists.
In short, the program is great for working professionals who can’t have a late night, cash-strapped students, and anyone who enjoys excellent music. The full schedule of the Something Old, Something New series is below. For more information, visit the Choral Arts webpage.
FEBRUARY 3, University Lutheran Church
Chamber music by J.S. Bach, Mark Rimple (b. 1969) and Ross Edwards (b. 1943) with members of the Philadelphia Bach Collegium
MARCH 2, St. Clement’s Episcopal Church
All-Motet program with Choral Arts Chamber Ensemble
J.S. Bach: Motet BWV Anh.159 Ich lasse Dich nicht
J.S. Bach: Motet BWV 227 Jesu meine Freude
J.S. Bach: Motet BWV 229 Komm, Jesu, Komm!
Philip Moore (b. 1943): Morning Prayer — Prayer in Time of Distress – Evening Prayer
APRIL 6, St. Clement’s Episcopal Church
J.S. Bach: Motet BWV 118 O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht
Jonathan Dove (b.1959): Köthener Messe
J.S. Bach: Cantata BWV 161 Komm, du süße Todesstunde
MAY 4, St. Clement’s Episcopal Church
J.S. Bach: Cantata BWV 19 Es erhub sich ein Streit
Andrew Lipke (b.1978): The Plague, an Oratorio, World Premiere. Soloist: Andrew Lipke.
