Bach’s Easter Cantata #31 “Heaven laughs, the earth rejoices,” first performed on April 21, 1715 will be sung again on this April 21 at the St. James Bach Vesper! This tour de force Easter cantata is only one of two extant cantatas that Bach composed for Easter Day (Christ lag in Todebanden, # 4 is the other). The lavish orchestration of 3 trumpets, 3 oboes, tympani, strings, organ, SSATB choir, and soloists will raise the roof in celebration of the Christ’s resurrection. Soloists Kevin Walsh (baritone), Les Green (tenor), and Christine Welch-Elder join the St. James Bach Choir. Guest organist is Tamara Still, assistant organist at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. A new Easter motet by Carl Schalk commissioned in celebration of the life of St. James member Judy Nielsen will also be sung in the service.
Service begins at 5:00pm.
More information about the St. James Bach Vespers can be found here!
