|
The Cantamus Choir was foundedin 1959 for the Bicentenary Memorial Concerts of George Frideric Handel's death. The designation"Bach Choir" is used in the strict German sense of a vocal ensemble as opposed to the larger forces of a choral society.This enables a concentration on line, clarity of texture and phrasing, more in keeping with Baroque and Classical works. As well as recording, the choir has performed in City of London Churches and often at Southwark Cathedral and the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank. Its repertoire is wide and enjoys the occasional Christmas concerts (with harp, organ, brass and percussion ensemble) regularly performing Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols and many cosmopolitan Christmas carol arrangements.
The Cantamus Bach Orchestra of London is made up of professional players drawn fom London's major orchestras. Apart fom its work with the choir, the larger Cantamus Orchestra has also appeared at the Royal Albert Hall.
The recent CD “J.S. Bach”: The Leipzig Years” was created for the ensemble’s 50th anniversary year. The choir generally perform one or two major concerts a year, with a numberof minor events as well. The next major concert will be in 2013 and is J.S. Bach's St. John Passion (BWV 245). |
