Bach Festivals & Cantata Series
Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest
Bach Cantata Vespers

Name:

Grace Lutheran Church: Bach Cantata Vespers

Location:

River Forest, Illinos, USA

Venues:

Grace Lutheran Church - 7300 Division Street, River Forest, IL 60305

Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest

The original organ at Grace Lutheran Church, an E. M. Skinner instrument, was installed in 1931; rebuilt in 1956 by Schlicker Organ Company; rebuilt in 1986 by Berghaus Pipe Organ Builders

Years:

Since 1971 (Cantata Series)

Months:

September - May (10 concerts a year; in each concert one cantata/work is performed)

Artistic Director:

Paul Bouman (1971-1983)
Carl Schalk (assistant director - 1971-1997)
John Folkening (1984-2000)
Jonathan Oblander (2001-2005)
Carl Grapentine (interim director - 2006-2007)
Rev. Michael D. Costello, Cantor (2008-present)

Ensembles:

Grace Lutheran Church Choir & Orchestra
In the early 1970’s Grace choir together with the Chapel Choir and the Kapelle from Concordia shared the task.
Kapelle of Concordia University has appeared as a guest choir singing one cantata in each of the past several years.

Website:

Grace Lutheran Church: Bach Cantata Series

History & Mission:

For four decades Grace has offered members, friends of the congregation, and music lovers from the Chicago area the opportunity to experience J.S. Bach’s sacred cantatas as part of a worship service, the setting for which they were originally composed. This tradition continues as the Grace Lutheran Church community celebrates their 40^th anniversary season of Bach Cantata Vespers.

Logo:

Source: Grace Lutheran Church: Bach Cantata Series; Rev. Michael D. Costello (June 2010, August 2011)

Prepared by Aryeh Oron (January 2009 - August 2011)