The NIU Concert Choir and Philharmonic are joining forces to present J.S. Bach’s final great achievement, the Mass in B Minor, Sunday, April 29. This is a rare opportunity to hear what critics and historians have hailed as not only Bach’s greatest work, but one of the greatest masterworks of Western music.
Due to the size (over two hours in length) and the technical demands of the composition it is not often performed by universities. Sunday’s performance will be the first time the full mass has been performed on the NIU campus.
Conducted by NIU Professor of Music and Coordinator of Choral Activities Dr. Eric A. Johnson, Sunday’s concert will feature the depth of talent in the School of Music from grand choruses to virtuoso vocal solos and instrumental fireworks. The NIU Philharmonic is conducted by NIU School of Music Instructor Danko Drusko.
Before the concert, NIU Professor and Coordinator of Music History and Literature, Dr. Brian Hart will give a lecture on the history and compositional techniques used by Bach in the mass. The Concert Choir and the Philharmonic will also be onstage during the lecture to provide live musical examples of Bach’s techniques. The lecture will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. The concert begins at 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
