Nashville, TN - Ever see those highway signs, SEE ROCK CITY? Well, it’s time to SEE BACH CITY right here in Nashville. Lovers of the music of J.S. Bach can celebrate his 327thbirthday in the Sixth Annual BACHanalia at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday, March 23, from 5-11 p.m.
Some of Nashville’s best musicians will perform six continuous hours of music in ways Bach would feel at home with and in ways that he never dreamed of. Drop in to this free event for a few minutes, a few hours or join the increasing number of folks who enjoy the whole festival from start to finish, fortified by the delicious food offered on site.
Highlights will include the Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 performed by an ensemble of Blair School of Music faculty, a grand Orchestral Suite performed by Nexus Chamber Orchestra and Cantata #61 sung by the acclaimed young vocal ensemble Portara. Other performances will feature ensembles and soloists from the Nashville Symphony, Belmont University, and Lipscomb University.
Music City Baroque with Murray Somerville, Karen Clarke, George Riordan, Rebecca Cole and Jessica Dunnavant will demonstrate a performance style from Bach’s own time while a saxophone ensemble and a jazz combo led by Sam Levine serve up Bach with a more contemporary flavor; and be prepared for “Cold and Flu Season.” Internationally known baritone ST Kimbrough will perform from his recent CD release of the Schemelli Songbook while an art whistler will plumb another depth of Bach’s songs. Composer Michael Rose will unlock some of Bach’s secret magic for us on the keyboard; and of course there will be performances by some of Nashville’s finest organists on the Cathedral’s magnificent Lively-Fulcher pipe organ. The full roster and schedule will be available in advance at christcathedral.org.
Once again delicious food, festival tee shirts and hats will be available for sale throughout the festival. Music is piped into the dining area so listeners will not have to miss a minute of music while enjoying some refreshments.
Recognized in 2010 by the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville as “Best Baroque Birthday Celebration,” BACHanalia is presented by the Sacred Space for the City Arts Series through the generous sponsorship of Lois Fyfe Music, the Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music, The Harp School, Seale Keyworks and numerous private individuals. Professional musicians from across middle Tennessee’s vast musical spectrum and beyond offer their talents as a gift to the Nashville community.
Christ Church Cathedral is located at 900 Broadway in downtown Nashville. Check the Cathedral’s website at christcathedral.org/sacredspace/upcomingevents for more information on the performance schedule.