Thomanerchor Leipzig

Tuesday, March 11 at 7:30pm
Duke Chapel

Presented by Duke Arts Presents
Vocal Ensemble Series

Large choir standing in a chapel — Photo Credit: Tom Thiele

The Vocal Ensemble Series closes in Duke Chapel with a concert by famed German boys’ choir Thomanerchor Leipzig. Established in 1212, it’s one of the oldest and most renowned choirs in the world. Associated closely with Johann Sebastian Bach, who served as its cantor (music director) from 1723 until his death in 1750, the choir has preserved and performed his works for generations. With weekly performances in Leipzig, and a touring group of fifty boy singers between ages nine and eighteen, this historic choir captivates audiences worldwide with its impeccable renditions of sacred and secular music. The New York Times calls the choir’s sound “magnificent, soaring, poignant, ethereal.” Their program for this visit includes works by more than ten composers, including Bach.

Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)
Der Herr ist König (Ps 99)

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847)
Jauchzet dem Herrn alle Welt (op. 69,2)

Johann Hermann Schein (1586-1630)
Ich freue mich im Herren (Jes 61, 10)

Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)
Kyrie (aus der Messe in sol majeur)

Frank Martin (1890-1974)
Gloria (aus der Messe für Doppelchor)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Ich lasse dich nicht, du segnest mich denn
BWV Anhang 159
(1. Mose 32,27/Gen 32,27)

Rihards Dubra (1964)
Ave Maria (III)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226
(Röm 8,26–27)

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Otchye nash

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Schaffe in mir, Gott ein reines Herz (Ps 51,12-14)
(aus: zwei Motetten, op. 29)

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847)
Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen über dir
(Ps 91,11-12)

John Rutter (1945)
Cantate Domino (Ps 96)

Max Reger (1873-1916)
Nachtlied, op. 138,3