Vancouver Bach Choir opens their 89th season with Brahms’ German Requiem
Paired with Pärt’s Berliner Messe in a program rooted in its composers’ spirituality
Vancouver, BC:
On Saturday October 26th, the Vancouver Bach Choir will take to the Orpheum Theatre stage to launch their 89th season of singing and celebration with performances of two great choral masterpieces: Brahms’ German Requiem and Arvo Pärt’s Berliner Messe.
Brahms’ German Requiem, a favourite among audiences and performers alike, is presented in a new orchestration for chamber ensemble. The new arrangement is perfectly matched for the Vancouver Bach Choir, whose impressive size of over 100 singers will ensure audiences hear each part of the music’s beautiful harmonies.
The German Requiem is a title that Brahms himself was never completely satisfied with. Rather, he preferred the title, “Human Requiem” and intended the work to give solace to people holding any set of beliefs.This concept pairs beautifully with Arvo Pärt’s Berliner Messe, which is considered to be a spiritual balm for modern times. In addition to its deep connection to the spiritual world, Pärt’s work is renown for its minimalism, simplicity and beauty.
The German Requiem will feature two local Vancouver soloists. Soprano Robyn Driedger-Klassen has been described in the London Times as “outstanding in her impassioned embodiment of the drama.” Given that the German Requiem solo is a self-professed favourite piece of hers to perform, she will no doubt live up to such acclaim. Baritone Andrew Greenwood has received extensive praise following performances with various organizations across Vancouver and the West Coast, Canada, and Europe.
About the Vancouver Bach Choir: The Vancouver Bach Choir (VBC), celebrating its 89th season, is an award-winning symphonic choir committed to offering vibrant and culturally diverse choral experiences to its audiences.
As one of the largest choral organizations in Canada, the Vancouver Bach Choir explores a wide range of repertoire from the past to the present with passion and commitment. With eight choirs ranging in age from 5 to 80, the VBC continues to pursue choral excellence at all levels and presents numerous concerts each year through the metro Vancouver region.
Over the past eight decades, the choir has performed with numerous world-class musicians. Currently under the baton of Maestro Leslie Dala, the VBC continues its mission and tradition to share the beauty of new and traditional choral music with as wide an audience as possible.
Listing Information:
Vancouver Bach Choir presents Brahms’ German Requiem and Pärt’s Berliner MesseMusic Directors: Leslie Dala and Marisa Gaetanne
Vancouver Bach Choir, conducted by Leslie Dala
Robyn Driedger-Klassen | Soprano
Andrew Greenwood| Baritone
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2019 | 7:30pm
Ticket Prices: Tickets start at $18
Address: The Orpheum Theatre
601 Smithe St. Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3
Box Office: Online: vancouverbachchoir.com By phone: 604.822.2697
Website: vancouverbachchoir.com
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