Welcome to the 2007 Toronto Bach Festival!
We are thrilled to welcome back acclaimed Bach scholar and conductor, Helmuth Rilling whose masterful teachings and spell-binding lecture-concerts capture the hearts and minds of artists and audiences alike!
Join us at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, Church of the Redeemer, St. Basil’s Church, Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church, Victoria College, and Roy Thomson Hall, perfect settings for two weeks of inspired performances and educational programs dedicated to the music of J.S. Bach.
This year’s Festival begins September 17 with Toronto Sings Bach; four Monday evening Bach Chorale Sing-Alongs where the Toronto public is invited, free of charge, to sing the St. John Passion Chorales, and experience the power of this music first-hand! Beginning October 22, the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto hosts the Lecture-Concert Series with Helmuth Rilling, where the St. John Passion is explored in five days of classes, open rehearsals, lectures and performances. Gifted Faculty of Music students are guided by their professional mentors, including world-renowned soloists Nicholas Isherwood and Daniel Taylor as well as members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
The Lecture-Concert Series week concludes on Saturday October 27 with a celebratory inter-disciplinary concert, Trinitas, featuring the MacMillan Singers under the direction of Doreen Rao in works of Bach, Holst and Vasks. On Sunday, October 28, Trinity-St.Paul’s United Church hosts Helmuth Rilling for Bach’s Cantata BWV 78, Jesu, der du meine Seele.
The popular noon BachTalk series of scholarly discussions and lectures will again be moderated by Canadian Music Critic William Littler who will be joined by scholars and theologians for thought-provoking, interactive discussions.
The University of Toronto Bach Festival Singers will join the Toronto Symphony Orchestra to collaborate on two performances of the St. John Passion under Maestro Rilling, November 1 and 3 at Roy Thomson Hall.
Do take a moment now to look through our website, including the "Festival at a Glance" calendar to help you plan your time! Mark your calendar and purchase your tickets now-the 2007 Toronto Bach Festival promises you the JOY of beautiful music, the RELEVANCE of thoughtful scholarship and the PLEASURE of J. S. Bach in the World Today!
Get closer to the music!
Doreen Rao
Founder-Artistic Director
