Saturday 18 March 2023 at 7:30pm
Sherborne Abbey

Bach opens a vista to the universe. After experiencing him, people feel there is meaning to life after all.

Helmut Walcha

Join us for one of the most celebrated works in the choral repertoire, with top soloists and period orchestra – and a belated birthday celebration!

We’re delighted that finally we can re-schedule our fortieth anniversary concert, postponed just a few days before the performance due to the Pandemic, and welcome back the musicians who have had to endure so many cancellations.

A rare chance to hear one of the most celebrated masterpieces in the repertoire, regarded by many as the pinnacle of Bach’s great output. It stands alone as the culmination of a lifetime’s work; Bach completed the mass shortly before his death and never heard it performed complete. From the dramatic opening Kyrie to the power of the jubilant closing Dona nobis pacem, it is technically awe-inspiring yet life-affirming music. Virtuosic choruses ranging from four, to five, six and even eight parts are interspersed with nine arias and duets, along with some wonderful instrumental solos for violin and horn, in a variety of styles spanning Bach’s incredible composing life.

We’re joined by a period orchestra of some of the finest players in the country, led by Alison Bury, horn player Richard Bayliss, and four top soloists for this monumental work:

Soprano Rachel Elliott
Countertenor Robin Blaze
Tenor  Nicholas Hawker
Baritone Morgan Pearse

Download a pdf flyer here