Vanguard Voices to perform Bach masterwork

Vanguard Voices and the Dearborn Symphony Chamber Orchestra will unite on Thursday, May 22, to present one of the world’s greatest choral compositions, Bach’s “Mass in B Minor,” in an intimate setting at First United Methodist Church in Dearborn, under the baton of G. Kevin Dewey.

“Musical scholars, choral conductors, and choristers consider this work to be one of the supreme achievements of classical music,” said Dewey, artistic director for Vanguard Voices.

“Vanguard Voices is very excited to be performing once again with the fine musicians of the Dearborn Symphony,” he added. “Collaborative performances in recent years of Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana,’ Kalomiris’ ‘Symphony No. 1,’ Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No. 9,’ and Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ were highly successful and enjoyed by choristers, instrumentalists, and audience alike. I’m looking forward to conducting this performance!”

Bach’s monumental Mass was never performed as a whole during his lifetime. Musical scholars believe the first performance of the Mass’ Credo section was led by Bach’s son, Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach, in 1786 – some 36 years after his father’s death. It is believed the first performance of the complete work was made in 1859 in Leipzig. The first complete American performance occurred in 1900.

“Opportunities to see and hear this magnificent work are rare, given its length and complexity,” says Dewey. “We’re delighted to be able to perform this in Dearborn, within a community that treasures choral music. Because of the great length of the work, Vanguard Voices will be performing all but two of the choruses, and presenting only a few of the arias. Featured soloists will be Gail Seidler and Richard Rischar.”

“Mass in B Minor” will travel with Vanguard Voices early this summer to Wilmington, North Carolina, as the group again performs the work – this time under the baton of Steven Errante, a Dearborn native who now conducts the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, on Saturday, June 21.

The May 22 performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church is located at 22124 Garrison, at Mason, north of Michigan Ave. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students. Due to limited seating, advance tickets are recommended. For tickets, call 313.943.2354. For more information, visit the Vanguard Voices website at: www.vanguardvoices.org.