Bach Musica NZ is one of New Zealand’s most highly acclaimed musical organizations. They aim to touch lives through music, and to keep classical music relevant, exciting and accessible for everyone. BMNZ is made up of a professional orchestra and a semi-professional choir performing at the highest level, led by internationally acclaimed conductor Rita Paczian. They perform four concerts annually in Auckland Town Hall, each of which encompasses a thoughtfully curated mix of orchestral and choral works to ensure that there is something for everyone. Additionally, their engaging and popular musical education workshops on sight-reading, singing and conducting are open to all.
Bach Musica NZ is an established and vital part of New Zealand's social and cultural fabric. Their Vision,“music that touches the soul”, is at the core of their work and informs all that they do. Music, and access to music, can be powerful and life changing – it provides opportunities and inspiration for emerging and established performers, brings people together, and creates a strong sense of community pride to be part of something beautiful. BMNZ performances illustrate the cultural vibrancy of New Zealand, showcasing music from New Zealand and all over the world, presenting world premieres and well-loved favourites, contemporary and past works, complex arrangements and simple melodies. The musicians come from a range of backgrounds, reflecting the diversity and strength of New Zealand society, and how music can bring together people from many different heritages in the creation of something powerful and new.
In touching the souls of many, Bach Musica NZ hopes to shape a better future through the universal language of music.
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| Conductor | Rita Paczian |
| Rehearsal night / venue | Tuesday Evening at 7.30pm Somervell Church, Remuera |
| Choir Contact | Gayle Askew 09 309 2224 admin@bachmusica.com |
| Website | www.bachmusica.com |
The St John and St Matthew Passions are Bach's most famous pieces of sacred music and are regarded as major pillars of Western culture.
The St John Passion is a haunting and dramatic musical depiction of the Passion of Christ, as told in the Gospel of John. The story of Jesus’ capture, judgment, and crucifixion are presented by the solo tenor (the Evangelist). A cast of other singers perform the roles of Jesus, Pilate, and the disciples, while the four-part choir represents the people at large. Chorales interrupt the flow of the plot at significant moments and allow for reverent reflection.
The St John Passion was first performed in 1724 but was revised and changed for subsequent performances in 1725, 1732, and 1749. The latter version will be performed by Bach Musica NZ.
The Passion’s final chorus, Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine, bids farewell to all lament and suffering and drifts off into a lasting, celestial peace. The closing chorale speaks of angels, sleep “without any anguish or pain,” and eternal praise.
‘Music for the soul’, as needed now in our troubled world!
International star guitarist Barkin Sertkaya will perform Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto followed by Rodrigo’s most famous Concierto de Aranjuez.
At this concert, Bach Musica NZ also presents the world premiere of Kaí Pothío, Kaí Máomai by young award-winning NZ composer Oliver Bramah. The title poetically translates from ancient Greek as "I miss and yearn after." Sappho's fragmented love poems are performed in their original Greek with modern pronunciation.
Lastly, Poulenc’s Gloria will be performed and features a large symphony orchestra, choir, and solo soprano. Composed in 1961, this masterpiece delights with beautiful harmonies, tricky rhythms, sumptuous melodies and is regarded as one of the outstanding choral works of the 20th century.
Bach Musica NZ proudly presents the New Zealand premiere of Schumann’s Requiem, op148, a 45-minute work composed in 1852 for four vocal soloists, a choir and a symphony orchestra.
The concert will open with the Bassoon Concerto in C Major, by Czech composer Johann Baptist Vanhal. His music was well respected by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert.
Also included in this concert is “Unfinished” Symphony No 8 in B Minor, D 759. Sadly, Schubert never finished this work, yet this outstanding composition has risen to be one of the most popular compositions in the early romantic period.
The Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248, was written in 1734 and incorporates music from earlier compositions, including three secular cantatas written during 1733 and 1734 and a largely lost church cantata, BWV 248a.
In Europe and the United States, it is as popular as Handel’s Messiah is in New Zealand and can be heard everywhere during the Christmas season.
The composition is in six parts, of which Bach Musica NZ will perform the first three in this concert.
Three majestic trumpets, virtuoso choruses and colourful solo arias for vocal and instrumental soloists alike are abundant in this fantastic composition.
Enjoy a true Christmas spirit!
