Bach in Context

Area classical music lovers will have the opportunity to experience the music of J.S. Bach in context as Westminster Kantorei and the Westminster Choir College Department of Sacred Music reconstruct a liturgical service from Bach’s Leipzig on Monday, February 21 at 8 p.m. in Bristol Chapel on the campus of Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton.

The program will include Bach’s Missa Brevis in G Minor, Cantata 147 "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben" and Sanctus in G presented with a Baroque orchestra performing on original instruments.

Founded in 2004, Westminster Kantorei is a chamber choir specializing in music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, with occasional forays into later repertoire – including new works.  Recent seasons have included performances of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with the Westminster Choir and the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Kurt Masur; a program of American choral music presented as part of the 1783 Revolutionary Princeton celebration and “Miracolo d’Amore,” an exploration of works by Claudio Monteverdi, performed in New York City.

Conductor Andrew Megill is recognized for his passionate artistry and unusually wide-ranging repertoire, extending from early music to newly-composed works.  In addition to conducting Westminster Kantorei and serving on Westminster’s conducting faculty, he is also artistic director of the early music ensemble Fuma Sacra, conductor of the Masterwork Chorus and associate conductor of the Carmel Bach Festival.  Dr. Megill has prepared choruses for many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the American Composers’ Orchestra, American Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Dresden Philharmonic, National Symphony, New Jersey Symphony and the New York Philharmonic.  Additionally, he has taught and conducted as a guest artist for Carnegie Hall, the Juilliard Opera Center, Yale University, the University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory, Emmanuel Music in Boston and Trinity Church (Wall Street) in New York City.  He served as chorusmaster for the Spoleto Festival USA for 16 years.

Admission to the performance is free but a ticket is required. Tickets can be reserved online at www.rider.edu/arts or by calling the box office at 609-921-2663. Westminster Choir College of Rider University is located at 101 Walnut Lane in Princeton.