Like many other musical organizations, the Bach Chorale of Grand Rapids is currently unable to meet for rehearsals due to the COVID-19 epidemic. In light of that unfortunate circumstance, we need to allow some time to determine when our next concert can occur.

Here is what we were planning to present as our spring 2020 concert: J. S. Bach's famous Easter cantata “Christ lag in Todes Banden” BWV 4, the Kyrie and Gloria from a rarely performed Mass by Alessandro Scarlatti, a sprightly and expressive setting of Psalm 117 by Telemann, as well as a selection of contemplative pieces by Vaughan Williams, Beethoven, and Saint-Saëns. As our instrumental ensemble piece, we were also going to perform an organ concerto by Handel.

The Bach Chorale has openings for experienced choral musicians in all sections. Under normal conditions, we rehearse Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at Central Reformed Church in downtown Grand Rapids. Our rehearsals typically start in late February for spring terms,  and in early September for fall terms.

Auditions are held at the beginning of each term, and consist of some vocalises and sight-reading. If you wish to join us, please contact Martin Werner via the contact form.

Public Contributions

In the past, the Bach Chorale of Grand Rapids has frequently been the recipient of prestigious grants from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and the National Endowment for the Arts. This type of grant resulted in awards from MCACA that matched contributions made to the Chorale during that fiscal year.

However, during this time of anxiety affecting all musical organizations, we are wondering whether, compared with larger, firmly established cultural organizations, the Bach Chorale and many other small musical organizations are being put into a disadvantaged position with regard to public support. Indeed, there is not enough emergency funding available to help all the groups which need it.

In light of this, BCGR is now more than ever dependent for its financial support on individuals and businesses who understand and value our purpose.

Thank you so very much for your patronage, and we hope to perform for you again as soon as possible.

~ preserving, promoting, and performing choral music written predominantly by European composers, with a special emphasis on the music of J. S. Bach, in an effort to keep the music of the masters alive ~

Listen

Bach: Ihr aber seid nicht fleischlich

Mendelssohn: Mitten wir im Leben sind