Join the Bach Akademie Charlotte Choir on a musical journey beginning in Johann Sebastian Bach’s music library in Leipzig and ending in the present day. Our program opens with virtuosic choral works that the great Thomaskantor taught his students in Leipzig before exploring contemporary responses to similar texts. Framed by the structure of a Lutheran service of Vespers, this concert will also include Bach Akademie Charlotte’s first performances of works by living composers. A not-to-be-missed highlight will be the first performance of Giles Swayne’s Magnificat I in the Southeast. Inspired by a field trip he took to southern Senegal and Gambia, Swayne incorporated the opening call of the Senegalese ploughing song O Lulum into the beginning of his composition. Brimming with unbridled fertility, rhythmic verve, and percussive drive, Swayne’s work shattered expectations of what ‘church music’ could be.

Adam GUMPELZHAIMER Deus in adiutorium
Héloïse WERNER O Sapientia
Heinrich SCHÜTZ Confitemini Domino
Roderick WILLIAMS O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel
Giovanni Pierluigi da PALESTRINA Sicut cervus – Sitivit Anima mea
Francesco CROATTI Duo Seraphim
John TAVENER Mother of God, Here I stand
Giles SWAYNE Magnificat
Joanna MARSH Evening Prayer
John RUTTER Hymn to the Creator of Light
Michael PRAETORIUS Benedicam Dominum