TBP's third season opens with dynamism and delight through the vigor of Cantata BWV 72 Alles nur nach Gottes Willen ("Everything according to God's will") and the warmth of Cantata BWV 182 Himmelskönig sei willkommen ("King of heaven, welcome"). With an ensemble of twelve singers, five string instruments, baroque recorder and oboes, this program blends choral richness with a sequence of exquisite vocal and instrumental solos.
Recalling ancient Magi, thirteen wise musicians present three instrumental works of J. S. Bach as royal gifts: Brandenburg Concerto #3 (gold), Brandenburg Concerto #4 (frankincense), and Keyboard Concerto No. 1 in D minor (myrrh), along with a new work for piano quartet by Godwin Friesen.
Alongside baroque recorders and violas da gamba, choral music returns to center stage with two cantatas addressing vital milestones of the human journey: wedding cantata BWV 196 Der Herr denket an uns (“The Lord thinks of us”) and funeral cantata BWV 106 Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (“God’s time is the very best time”). Stunning a cappella works by Monteverdi, James MacMillan, and William Harris round out the program.
Season three concludes with the earnest encouragement of BWV 107 Was willst du dich betrüben (“Why do you want to distress yourself”) and the jubilation of BWV 117 Sei Lob und Ehr dem höchsten Gut (“Praise and honour to the highest good”), featuring a lush chamber orchestra and the many remarkable soloists that make up TBP’s choir. The one-hour program includes a cappella works by William Byrd, Arvo Pärt, and Charles Villiers Stanford.