Bach Cantata project - a superb success

"A masterclass in Bach"

Johann Sebastian Bach composed over 200 surviving sacred and secular cantatas, primarily during his tenure as Thomas kantor in Leipzig (1723–1750). Designed for Sunday services, weddings, and municipal ceremonies, these multi-movement works typically feature soloists, choir, and orchestra, blending operatic recitatives and arias with Lutheran chorales. They are celebrated for their profound emotional depth, intricate counterpoint, and vivid, dramatic musical interpretations of theological themes. 

The Glasgow Bach Cantata project is driven by project coordinator Geraldine Mynors and co-directed by Michael Bawtree and Frikki Walker, and its dual objectives of playing 200 Cantatas with raising money for charity. Concert 22 was generously donated by An organ for Glasgow which provides much-needed support for a new organ for St Mary’s. 

This was Concert Number 22 in an ambitious series. World-expert on Bach, John Butt OBE directed and as Geraldine Mynors says “It was a Bach masterclass”. Butts’ passionate and precise direction conjured up a brilliant performance from the chorus and orchestra. They offered their services free of charge, simply for the love of taking part. Their performance reflected joy, enthusiasm and dedication. 

St Mary’s looks forward to welcoming Glasgow Bach Cantata Project back again in June 2026 - details will be announced shortly.