The Calgary Bach Choir closes its 2024–25 season with a concert that celebrates the depth and beauty of choral music from past and present. This final performance brings together works that span centuries, cultures, and musical styles – each one chosen to uplift, reflect, and inspire.
The concert opens with Lobet den Herren by Johann Sebastian Bach. This joyful and complex motet sets the stage with its lively counterpoint and rich textures – a striking example of Bach’s mastery. The musical thread continues with Verleih uns Frieden by Felix Mendelssohn, a Romantic-era homage to Bach that offers a heartfelt prayer for peace, filled with warmth and grace.
From Germany and Central Europe, the musical focus shifts eastward to Song for Athene by John Tavener. This solemn, chant-like piece draws on the traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church and became widely known after it was performed at the funeral of Princess Diana. Tavener’s own suggestion to include full organ at the climax adds dramatic weight to its spiritual message.
A special highlight of this concert is the Alberta premiere of The Twenty-Third Psalm, a new choral setting by Canadian composer Joyce Riddell. A longtime friend of Artistic Director Terry Edwards, Riddell brings a fresh and moving interpretation of this well-loved text. The composer herself appears as accompanist, making this performance especially meaningful.
The first half concludes with Alleluia by Randall Thompson – one of the most beloved works in the choral repertoire. Composed during the early days of World War II, this piece is a quiet yet powerful meditation built entirely on a single word.
Cellist Olena Kilchyk, a familiar presence in Calgary Bach Choir concerts, then takes the spotlight with Cello Sonata No. 6 by Antonio Vivaldi. Her performance highlights the expressive and virtuosic qualities of this Baroque gem.
To end the season, the choir turns to Liebeslieder Waltzes by Johannes Brahms – an audience favourite filled with charm, humour, and heartfelt emotion. These short pieces blend poetry, Viennese dance rhythms, and rich vocal writing, and they hold special meaning for Artistic Director Terry Edwards, who has performed them both as a chorister and a pianist.
The piano duet accompanying the Brahms is performed by Antonina Cox and Susan Varcoe on a beautiful grand piano selected by Michael Lipnicki Fine Pianos. This exceptional instrument adds brilliance and colour to the performance, rounding out the concert with warmth and elegance.
This final concert of the season offers a rich mix of musical treasures – some familiar, some new – that reflect the Calgary Bach Choir’s dedication to sharing the joy and depth of choral music with the community.
Beyond Baroque takes place on Sunday, June 8 at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121 – 14 Avenue SW, Calgary). Admission is free for all students 18 and under, as part of the choir’s ongoing support for youth access to the arts.
More information and tickets