SPIRITUAL MUSIC Birnau - Bach: Cantata "We thank you, God, we thank you," Haydn: Missia in angustiis "Nelson Mass"

**CELEBRATORY CONCERT − 60 years of the BIRNAUER KANTOREI** **SPIRITUAL MUSIC BIRNAU** **Cantata "Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir" (We thank you, God, we thank you)** BWV 29 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) **Missa in angustiis "Nelson Mass"** Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) **CELEBRATION CONCERT − 60 years of BIRNAUER KANTOREI** As a summer gala concert, the Birnauer Kantorei choir is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the magnificent Bach cantata "Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir" (We thank you, God, we thank you), which was performed in Leipzig in 1731 during the council elections – traditionally an occasion to thank God for what had been achieved together and to ask for blessings and good fortune for the future. Three trumpets, timpani, and virtuoso organ solos complement the orchestra for this festive occasion. Bach later turned the opening chorus into the "Dona nobis" of his Mass in B minor. This is complemented by Haydn's "Nelson Mass," written in serious times ("in angustiis") but intended as exuberant praise of God and in honor of his patron Nikolaus II Esterhazy. Celebrate this impressive "milestone" birthday with the Birnauer Kantorei! **BIRNAUER KANTOREI** Thomas Gropper, musical director Maria Deger SOPRANO Regine Jurda ALTO Johannes Ganser TENOR Raphael Sigling BASS Original sound orchestra L'arpa festante