Date/Time
Date(s) - December 17, 2022
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location
Kay Meek Theatre
Categories No Categories
This December Early Music Vancouver (EMV) presents Festive Cantatas: J.B. Bach Magnificat and Cantata 110 in two performances – December 17 at The Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver and December 18 at the Chan Centre, UBC.
The concert features JUNO Award-winning soprano Hélène Brunet; Arwen Myers (soprano); Krisztina Szabó (alto); winner of the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra’s Competition, Jacques-Olivier Chartier (tenor); and one of today’s most sought-after voices, Sumner Thompson (bass); along with The Pacific Baroque Orchestra, directed by Alexander Weimann.
Bach wrote his famous Magnificat and Cantata 110 for Christmas services when he was director of the boys’ choir at St. Thomas church in Leipzig – a role he held for 27 years. The Magnificat explores a wide spectrum of human responses to the Christmas story, from humility to ecstasy, sober consideration to laughing astonishment, and extroverted declamation to introspective affirmation. In them, we hear Bach amplifying the voices of different people and exploring their personal perspectives, especially that of an ordinary young woman, Mary, as she responds to the astounding news that she would give birth to the Son of God. “The Festive Cantatas are so joyful and transportive that it lifts your spirits, stirs your soul and takes you away from whatever problems or stresses you might have. They’re about bringing friends, family and the community together, and to me, that’s what Christmas is all about,” says Suzie LeBlanc, CM EMV’s Artistic and Executive Director. Tickets start from $36 with discounts for youth and students.