Musica Angelica Leads Bach Fest Return to First Congregational church

Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra in partnership with the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles (FCCLA), have planned a weekend of events to celebrate the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque music the weekend of March 23 and 24, 2024.

Los Angeles has experienced various iterations of a Bach Festival for more than 80 years. Musica Angelica and FCCLA brought a successful relaunch of the L.A. Bach Festival in 2023 after the pandemic shutdowns. As L.A.’s premiere period instrument ensemble under the leadership of Martin Haselböck, Musica Angelica is proud to lead the event again with the intent of re-establishing it as an annual festival.

“Bach developed this high art to perfection and to an artistic climax never reached by any composer afterwards,” explains Musica Angelica’s Musical Director Martin Haselböck of Bach’s late works including the St. Matthew Passion.

As a champion of J.S. Bach’s music during their 30-year tenure, Musica Angelica with continued sponsorship from The Colburn Foundation, takes the Bach Festival weekend as an opportunity to delve more deeply into Bach’s compositions.

The 2024 Bach Festival kicks off on Saturday, March 23, with An Afternoon with Bach featuring recitals and lectures, featuring some of Bach’s vocal works including two motets, and Cantatas BWV 39 and 54.

Acting as emcee through Saturday’s performances is Andrew Justice, an acclaimed Baroque period musician and Head of the Music Library at the Doheny Library at USC. Justice is known for his delightful and historically engaging stories about the works that capture the relevance and importance for any audience.

“Over 275 years, Bach’s music continues to capture the imagination and passion of listeners and performers alike with its seemingly limitless exploration of musical invention and textual expression,” Justice said. “There is something here for everyone, regardless of experience.”

Sunday’s events begin with The Cathedral’s organ concert at 10:30 AM with Christoph Bull playing Bach and other Baroque favorites. Followed by David Harris with Christoph Bull on The Great Organs leading musicians of The Cathedral Choir and Laude (FCCLA’s auditioned, professional ensemble choir), along with members of Musica Angelica, to present music of Bach and Cuban Baroque composer Esteban Salas. Sunday afternoon features the headline concert with Haselböck conducting Musica Angelica’s full forces with double orchestra and chorus in the “St. Matthew Passion.” Full schedule below.

Saturday, March 23, 2024 – AN AFTERNOON WITH BACH

3:30 PM Festival Greetings and Introduction, Andrew Justice

4:00-5:00 Toccatas with Davide Martino, organ

5:00-5:30 Coffee and Tea Break

5:30-6:30 Motets with Laude, David Harris, Director

“Singet dem Herrn” BWV 225 and “Lobet den Herrn” BWV 230

6:30 Musica Angelica, Martin Haselböck, Director

Cantatas BWV 39 and 54

With Reginald Mobley, Teresa Wakim, Alois Mülhbacher, Daniel Johannsen, and Stefan Zenkl

Sunday, March 24, 2024 – BACH AND CUBAN BAROQUE WITH FCCLA

10:30 AM Baroque Masterworks with Christoph Bull on The Great Organs*

11:00-12:00 FCCLA morning service* “Bach and the Cuban Baroque” featuring Bach’s “Singet dem Herrn” and Esteban Salas’ “Claras Luces” and “Te Deum”

Cathedral Choir, Laude, and musicians of Musica Angelica directed by David Harris

Laurel Irene, Molly Pease, Tiffany Ho, Lorenzo Zapata, Mike Jones, and Ianthe Marini, soloists

*Free to the public

HEADLINE EVENT

3:00 PM St. Matthew Passion with Musica Angelica Orchestra, Conducted by Martin Haselböck

Featuring Tenor Daniel Johanneson as Evangelist

Reception immediately following the concert.

Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday afternoon concerts are available through Musica Angelica’s website are $100 for one-day, $150 for both days. The Sunday morning events presented during the church service are free to the public. Visit https://www.musicaangelica.org/

Until March 24, 2024, a two-day pass is available for a discounted $100.00 per person, use promotional code: BACHFEST25 at checkout.

All events take place at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, 540 S Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020.