The Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas (BEST) is excited to announce its upcoming concert, featuring soloists Dwight Parry, oboe, and Christian Pursell, baritone.

The performance takes place October 23 at 7:00 and presents repertoire by Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Bach and others. Tickets range from $30-$40. Student pricing is available. Tickets can be ordered via https://bachensemble.org/bach-ensemble-at-st-thomas-in-concert/

“This concert brings two remarkable artists together in a varied program. The music ranges from the fiery baroque of Vivaldi, to the richness of Romantic German Lieder,” said Bach Ensemble Artistic Director Carlton Monroe. “Dwight and Christian’s collaboration was born out of COVID, when they created a virtual performance of the first movement of BWV 82. Now, they reunite to perform the complete work in person.”

Dwight Parry is the principal oboist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as well as the Bach Ensemble St. Thomas. Christian Pursell, who received his Master of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, frequently performs solo roles with the Cincinnati Opera. Pursell is a dynamic, impassioned actor with unmatched stage presence, an enthralling, powerful voice, and a mastery of musical genres from baroque to musical theater.

“The concert has something for everyone: lush strings, virtuosic oboe, an arresting baritone, and the grandeur of our Fritt’s organ,” said Monroe. “There may be no more beautiful, intimate space in Cincinnati to experience talented musicians performing the greatest music ever conceived.”

Bach Vespers – October 20

The Bach Ensemble performance calendar again presents a series of eight Vespers at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Terrace Park. The series offers an immersive experience of Bach’s sacred cantatas, presented within the structure of a religious service. These performances aim to enrich the artistic appreciation and spiritual experience of attendees. By maintaining the cantatas in their original liturgical setting, the Ensemble fosters a sense of community that transcends religious backgrounds, inviting everyone to attend and connect through the music.

The next Vespers of the season is scheduled for October 20, 2024.

About the Bach Ensemble St. Thomas

The Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas enriches and inspires the musical life of the Cincinnati area through the performance of the music of J. S. Bach, his contemporaries, and musical heirs.

The BEST serves as ensemble-in-residence at St. Thomas Episcopal Church where it leads the monthly Bach Vespers, performing the cantatas of J. S. Bach in the context for which they are written. The ensemble’s musicians are some of the finest in the region, including many from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

The BEST is committed to historically informed performances of Bach’s music and artistic collaborations with other musical ensembles. The Bach Ensemble is under the artistic direction of its founder, Carlton Monroe.