Bach in Baltimore presents Brahms Requiem

The Bach in Baltimore Choir and Orchestra, accompanied by the John Carroll School Choir, is pleased to present the Brahms Requiem (sung in English) on Sunday, April 24 at 4 pm at Towson United Methodist Church, 501 Hampton Lane, Baltimore. Guest soloists include soprano Melissa Wimbish and baritone Jeffrey Williams.

Brahms’ Requiem is, uniquely, not a liturgical piece at all. It forgoes the use of both the Roman Catholic burial liturgy as well as the Protestant liturgy as found in the Lutheran lectionary. Instead, Brahms chose 15 citations from 11 books in the Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha. The texts that Brahms chose are full of imagery and fit together in an overarching architectural plan. Although he called his work a “Requiem” Brahms was without religious faith. His fellow composer Anton Dvorak, a devout Catholic, wrote of Brahms: "Such a man, such a fine soul – and he believes in nothing! He believes in nothing!” When asked to include more explicitly religious references to this composition, Brahms replied that he could not, writing “I confess that I would gladly omit even the word German and instead use Human.” Brahms’ grand and moving work is meant to be a universal requiem for all who experience it.

We offer this “Human Requiem” in the loving memory of all the loved ones lost during the pandemic. Additionally, we will perform Maryland composer Elam Sprenkle’s Go Down Death, commissioned by Maestro Dimmock in memory of his mother, Anne Hortense Pruitt Dimmock. Go Down Death is a musical setting of the 20th century African American poet and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson’s poem, a moving & solemn declaration of faith in heavenly salvation.

Before the concert, Jane Dimmock Cain, Director of Music Emerita at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, will bring her musical expertise to bear in an engaging talk entitled “Connecting with the Texts of Brahms’ Requiem.” This pre-concert lecture is offered free of charge with the purchase of a concert ticket to our performance.

And, if that isn’t enough! Bach in Baltimore invites the community to a Handel Festival on May 1 at 4 pm at the Church of the Resurrection, address. The Bach in Baltimore Choir & Orchestra will be joined by the Maryland State Boychoir for an exuberant performance of Handel’s famous works, including Zadok the Priest, The King Shall Rejoice, as well as Music for Royal Fireworks and selections from Water Music. These celebratory and delightful compositions made Handel a legend in his own time and secured his place as one of the greatest composers the world has ever known. After the concert, stay and enjoy a FREE soiree to conclude Bach in Baltimore’s annual Bachfest auction! Light fare and beverages provided by Panache Fine Catering will be served in a gallery setting of artworks by local artists.

Admissions for Brahms Requiem are $30 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children under twelve. Admissions for our Handel Festival are $35 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children under twelve. Tickets must be purchased in advance, online at BachinBaltimore.org, or by calling 410-941-9262. Tickets will not be sold at the door to ensure touchless transactions. All patrons will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test before admission into the venue. Please read our full Health and Safety measures online at https://bachinbaltimore.org/safety/.