Bach Festival Choir to Perform at Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival™ for First Performance Since March 2020
WHO: Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, John V. Sinclair, conductor
WHAT: American Folksongs & Spirituals
WHEN: Saturday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival™
TICKETS: Starting at $20
INFO: http://BachFestivalFlorida.org/
(Winter Park, FL–March 30, 2021)—The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park heads to the Frontyard Festival™ at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. The program, titled American Folksongs & Spirituals, celebrates the heritage of original American music and marks the first performance by the Bach Festival Choir since March of 2020. Artistic Director and Conductor John V. Sinclair will direct the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra alongside guest artists mezzo-soprano Meredith Woodend and Bach Festival favorite bass-baritone Kevin Deas. Featured works on the program include “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” and a stunning arrangement of “Amazing Grace” by Rollins College music professor Jamey Ray.
Featuring 100 members of the Bach Festival Choir, American Folksongs & Spirituals explores the heritage of American music and its roots at a time when America is carefully re-examining its history. The Bach Festival Society reaches into the richness of American and African American music to perform some of the finest works of their kind, including pieces from Burleigh, Rutter, Copland, and more.
Ever since COVID-19 eliminated in-person rehearsals last Spring, Bach Festival Choir members have rehearsed remotely and engaged with each other through weekly digital rehearsals. “We in the choir have really missed sharing music with our friends and loyal audiences. It’s thrilling to realize the long ‘dry spell’ is finally at an end,” said Karen Lane, a long-time choir member.
The Bach Festival Society has been no stranger to programming unique performances during the pandemic, but the sprawling outdoor venue at the Dr. Phillips Center allows Sinclair and the accomplished musicians of the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra to safely perform these inspiring works live and in person.
John Sinclair shares his enthusiasm for the program by paraphrasing Aaron Copland during his time in France, “Why do Americans try to arrange music like Europeans when there is so much at their fingertips? This music is inspired by the great American musical spirit and heritage.”
To support a safe and comfortable concert experience, you will have the opportunity to pick your own socially distant private box for up to 5 people. Box seating starts at $20 per ticket plus fees, with a two- or four-ticket minimum depending on the chosen ticket level. Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m. and may be purchased at BachFestivalFlorida.org or by phone at 407-358-6603 from the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office.
Founded in 1935 in Winter Park, Florida, the Bach Festival Society is one of the longest continuously operating Bach Festivals in the country and is well ranked among America’s great oratorio societies. The Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra bring the highest caliber of classical music to Central Florida in the intimate settings of Tiedtke Concert Hall and Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Rollins College campus for the Society’s Annual Bach Festival, Choral Masterworks, and Visiting Artists performances. It presents a variety of educational and community outreach programs year-round. More information is available at BachFestivalFlorida.org
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park is supported in part by numerous individual donors; the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation; Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program; United Arts of Central Florida, host of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and our partner Rollins College.