The Coronation of King George II / Bach Choir Concert & Gala

*** The American premiere of this performance! ***

You are invited to join us “at court” for this regal affair, filled with Renaissance to baroque to present day music….a sweeping orchestral and choral pageant takes us to the English Court, and the coronation of King George II. This bewitching performance features the music of Handel, Purcell, and Palestrina, and offers an enthralling and uplifting experience, as we welcome the new monarch.

Artistic director and countertenor Daniel Taylor is a frequent and warmly regarded Bach Choir soloist. In creating the coronation, Taylor and his musicians deliver orchestral and choral pageantry that includes Renaissance to Baroque to present-day compositions. From the robed Archbishop of Canterbury to the costumed King, from the exuberant chorus to the lively presence of Taylor, audiences will feel a true sense of occasion as they become part of the ceremony in this charming and rousing performance.

Selections for “the Coronation” include Hubert Parry’s I Was Glad and his ‘unofficial anthem’ of England, Jerusalem, John Tavener’s Hymn to the Mother of God, (both composed hundreds of years after the 1727 event); Henry Purcell’s Remember Not, Lord and Hear my Prayer, Oh Lord, Orlando Gibbons’ Drop, drop slow tears, Giovanni Palestrina’s Jesu, Rex admirabilis, and George Frederick Handel’s coronation anthem Zadok the Priest (performed at every coronation since that of King George II in 1727) and The King Shall Rejoice.

“Moving through the attentive audience to join the Theatre of Early Music’s refreshingly uninhibited players on stage, chorus and orchestra assembled for the great, swelling coronation anthem, The King Shall Rejoice, Taylor leading with great charisma and exuberance.” ~ Ian Ritchie, Opera Going Toronto

Along with the Gala artist, members of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem will be part of this jovial and exhilarating performance!