Bach Festival
The Keyboard Concertos & Music at St. Mary Orchestra
How Bach Can Change Your Life
The music of Johann Sebastian Bach transcends time, offering a legacy of profound beauty, spirituality, and intellectual brilliance. His compositions resonate with the ethical and spiritual depth of his personal faith, embodying universal truths that continue to inspire listeners today. Beyond its aesthetic power, Bach's music has been scientifically studied for its therapeutic effects, helping children and patients with various medical conditions by promoting healing and cognitive development. Such profound harmony between music and the human soul is why, in 1977, selections from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 were sent into space aboard the Voyager spacecraft, representing humanity's finest cultural achievements. His music, with its intricate balance of beauty and mathematics, speaks directly to the human spirit and offers a transformative experience that touches both the heart and mind. Join us at the festival to discover how Bach can change your life.
About the Concert
The Keyboard Concertos: No. 1 in D Minor and No. 5 in F Minor
Join us for the second concert in our Bach series, featuring the extraordinary talents of Orlay and Orlando Alonso alongside the Music at St. Mary Orchestra. This concert showcases two of Bach’s most compelling keyboard concertos, highlighting his genius in balancing virtuosity with deep emotional expression.
Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052 (No. 1)
The evening opens with the Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052 (No. 1), one of Bach's most dramatic and powerful works for the keyboard. Often considered the pinnacle of his keyboard concertos, this piece is known for its vigorous energy and the interplay between the soloist and the orchestra. The opening movement sets a tense and urgent tone, followed by a hauntingly beautiful Adagio, and concluding with a dynamic and exhilarating final movement.
Concerto in F minor, BWV 1056 (No. 5)
Next, the Concerto in F minor, BWV 1056 (No. 5) offers a contrast with its intimate and lyrical qualities. Despite being one of the shortest of Bach’s concertos, it leaves a lasting impression with its poignant slow movement, which features one of Bach’s most memorable melodies. The outer movements are concise and finely crafted, showcasing Bach’s ability to convey profound emotion in a compact form.
Soloists: Orlando and Orlay Alonso
Renowned for their remarkable technique and deep musicality, The Alonso brothers bring a special synergy to Bach's music, offering a unique interpretation that blends precision with expressive depth. Their collaboration with the Music at St. Mary Orchestra promises an unforgettable evening of Baroque brilliance.
Prepare to be transported by the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach, brought to life by these exceptional musicians in an intimate chamber setting.
Music at St. Mary Orchestra
This concert marks the debut of the Music at St. Mary Orchestra, featuring the acclaimed Callisto Quartet! Comprising Cameron Daly and Gregory Lewis on violins, Eva Kennedy on viola, and Hannah Moses on cello, this vibrant ensemble is set to infuse fresh energy into our musical community. Renowned for their "lush intensity" and exceptional cohesion, the Callisto Quartet has captivated audiences worldwide since their founding in 2016. With numerous prestigious awards and a commitment to education, they are dedicated to sharing their passion for chamber music. We are very fortunate to have them as the principal musicians of the Music at St. Mary Orchestra.