40th Anniversary Season Concert

Description

Bach Choir 40th Anniversary Concert: Celebrating the Legacy of J. James Greasby

The Bach Choir 40th Anniversary Concert unites musicians from past and present to celebrate four decades of choral and orchestral excellence. This special program highlights the ensemble’s history, featuring works that have defined its performances over the years.

The concert also pays tribute to J. James Greasby, the Chattanooga Bach Choir’s founding director. The evening will honor his contributions with selections from British composers performed at his final concert in 2005.

A Program Reflecting 40 Years of Music

The first half of the program highlights the choir’s recent history under Artistic Director David Long. It includes:

• Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, BWV 1048
• Bach’s Motet Singet dem Herrn, BWV 225
• George Frideric Handel’s Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 1
• Handel’s Coronation Anthem No. 2, Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened
• Felix Mendelssohn’s Richte mich, Gott (Psalm 43)
• Herbert Parry’s I Was Glad
• Paul Mealor’s Ubi Caritas

The second half of the concert shifts focus to the legacy of J. James Greasby. This segment features selections from British composers spanning the 16th to 20th centuries. These works were performed as part of Greasby’s final concert in 2005 and include:

• The Benedictus from John Taverner’s Western Wynde Mass
• John Tavener’s The Lamb
• Choral works by Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons, Henry Purcell, Charles Villiers Stanford, and Ralph Vaughan Williams

Honoring a Lasting Legacy

Artistic Director David Long reflects on this milestone event:

“We are deeply honored to celebrate both our 40th anniversary season of performing memorable concerts in Chattanooga and the enduring musical legacy of our founder, J. James Greasby. This concert brings together highlights from past performances while also looking forward to many more years of sharing great music with our audiences.”

Why This Concert Matters

This event is not just an anniversary celebration, but also a tribute to the musicians, audiences, and directors who have shaped the Chattanooga Bach Choir over the past four decades. By bringing together past and present members, the program reflects the choir’s journey while honoring the visionary leadership of its founder.

For longtime supporters and new listeners alike, the Bach Choir 40th Anniversary Concert is an opportunity to experience the richness of its history through music. This performance is a testament to the choir’s commitment to excellence, ensuring that its legacy continues for years to come.