S.C. Bach Concert Coming to Clinton in October
September 18, 2022
S.C. Bach celebrates the start of our 2022-2023 season with a weekend of concerts in Tryon, Clinton, and Greenville on October 7, 8, and 9.
2023 is a big year in the study and performance of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Three hundred years ago (in the spring of 1723), Bach took over the post as Cantor of St. Thomas Church and Director of the music for the city of Leipzig. This is an important moment in Bach’s life as he felt he was now able to fulfill his dream of creating what he called a “well-appointed church music.” His vision was to provide weekly concerted music (choral and orchestra) for the main churches in Leipzig. These large-scale works have come down to us as the great cantatas which he composed weekly. Also, a part of this plan were the large oratorios and passions written for special occasions.
S.C. Bach is dedicating its next two seasons to this momentous event in Bach’s life by presenting music to celebrate his transition to the cantorate in Leipzig, his great works of this period, and music that was influenced by these masterpieces.
The 2022-2023 season begins with three performances the weekend of October 7, 8, and 9.
In these concerts we hear three works written by Bach prior to his arrival in Leipzig. The South Carolina Bach Choir with members of the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra perform an early cantata: Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (Cantata 106). This work, also known as the Actus tragicus, comes from Bach’s early career, probably around 1708. Following the choral cantata, Randall Umstead, Music Department Chair at Furman University, joins the orchestra for a performance of the rare cantata for solo tenor voice: Ich armer Mensch, ich Sündenknecht (Cantata 55). Finally, the orchestra will perform the popular Brandenburg Concerto #6.
The community is welcome to attend any of the concerts and Laurens County is in for a treat with one of the concerts to be held at Westminster Church in Clinton. Click HERE to purchase tickets and scroll down to the Clinton location. Tickets and/or donation may also be made at the door.
Friday, Oct 7 7:00 Holy Cross Episcopal Church
150 Melrose Ave, Tryon, NC 28782
Saturday, Oct 8 7:00 Westminster Presbyterian Church
1387 Hwy 56 S, Clinton, SC 29325
Sunday, Oct. 9 4:00 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
1601 N Pleasantburg Dr HWY 291, Greenville, SC 29609
S.C. Bach’s mission is to promote Johann Sebastian Bach’s music through affordable concerts, lectures, and educational events throughout the state. S.C. Bach seeks to engage with schools and communities in ways that energize and ennoble audiences.
