New Hampshire Master Chorale will team with chamber singers from Plymouth State University in presenting J.S. Bach in B Minor as part of its 10th season May 4 at 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 21 Centre St.
The performance will be the first of the B Minor mass in New Hampshire in more than 10 years, according to Dan Perkins, music director of the Master Chorale and leader of the PSU chamber singers.
“It’s considered one of the greatest choral orchestral works in western music, and it’s rarely done in New Hampshire. It’s a very difficult work. It’s absolutely stunning music, but it requires a great deal of work to prepare,” Perkins said. “So the opportunity to put my chamber singers from the university along with the New Hampshire Master Chorale made it possible not only financially but also musically.”
Featured soloists include Lisa Hansen (soprano), Emily Jaworski (mezzo-soprano), Jennifer Cooper (mezzo-soprano), Michael Dodge (tenor), Eric Christopher Perry (tenor), Steven Small (baritone) and Paul Tipton (bass).
Perkins had the opportunity to perform the mass three times in 1985 – the 300th anniversary of Bach’s birth – and also attended several other shows. He put the idea of doing it with his own group in his back pocket until it came to fruition this year.
“This has been on my radar my whole life, so for me personally, this is a huge opportunity, something I’ve been dreaming of doing,” Perkins said.
Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and students. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased online at nhmasterchorale.org (there is a second show in Plymouth on May 5, as well). Call 855-642-4672 for more information.
