HOW TO GO
What: Bach Society of Dayton's "Sing & Celebrate" concert
Where: Kettering Adventist Church, 3939 Stonebridge Road, Kettering
When: 4 p.m. next Sunday, Oct. 21
Cost: $18 adults, $10 students, free for children 12 and younger; Season tickets for all four concerts are available for $60.
Tickets: Call (937) 294-2224 or visit http://bachsocietyofdayton.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
FYI: A concert preview will be held at 3 p.m. featuring Dr. Richard Chenoweth, professor of horn and graul chair in the arts and languages at the University of Dayton and former principal horn of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Next Sunday, the Bach Society of Dayton ushers in its 10th anniversary season, dubbed “Bach to the Future,” with a concert titled “Sing & Celebrate” at Kettering Adventist Church.
Under the direction of John Neely, the Bach Society is preparing a kickoff of old and new choral works encompassing the 16th century (“Plaudite, In Ecclesiis” by Giovanni Gabrieli), 21st century (“The Seal Lullaby” from “Animal Crackers” by Eric Whitacre) and a nod to such composers as Edward Elgar (“Imperial March”), Norman Dello Jolo (“A Psalm of David”) and Felix Mendelssohn (“Lift Thine Eyes,” “He Watching Over Israel”). The program will also feature the Oakwood Brass.
“We deliberately chose composers from different periods,” said Neely. “Eric Whitacre in particular is very different. He’s almost like a study in contrast.”
Although the music of Johann Sebastian Bach will not be heard next week, the organization is planning to salute him later in the season by performing his monumental work “St. Matthew Passion” for the first time. Neely acknowledges the importance of remaining diverse while also staying true to the troupe’s namesake, particularly in terms of his impeccable artistry.
“We feel we need to present fine music with a fine chorus that has variety,” he said. “But Bach is a musician’s musician. Regarding choral music, his attention to detail, the words, the text, is remarkable. Every note is right.”
Reshaped as the Bach Society of Dayton following the Dayton Bach Society disbanding after more than 25 years, the troupe, consisting of more than 60 singers and accompanied by R. Alan Kimbrough, is proud of its growth within the local arts community. As the organization looks toward the future, collaboration will be a key element.
“Collaboration is what we strive to do,” said Neely. “Last season we performed spirituals with Central State University. We’re going to be collaborating more this season.”
In addition to “St. Matthew Passion” (slated for March 10, 2013), the season consists of “Sweet Sounds of the Holidays” (Dec. 2) featuring the Kettering Children’s Choir Chorale and the Kettering Advent Ringers and “Bach to the Future” (May 5, 2013) featuring soprano Andrea Chenoweth and former members of the Bach Society and Dayton Bach Society. Neely is excited to launch the roster on a celebratory note and hopes audiences remain enthused throughout the season.
“The human voice is the most original instrument. It makes the most beautiful sounds. With our upcoming concert, we hope we generate excitement for the entire season.”
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