The American Kantorei, under the direction of Robert Bergt

Recent events notwithstanding, the arts—in particular, classical music—will continue to be alive and well on the Concordia Seminary campus. (In case you don’t know, both KFUO stations broadcast from the Concordia campus, even though they are owned by The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.)

Case in point, the just-announced 18th season of the renowned Bach at the Sem series will premiere on October 25. Bach at the Sem features presentations of J. S. Bach’s music by The American Kantorei, under the direction of Robert Bergt. But as you’ll see below, Bach isn’t the only composer whose music bellows the gracious space of the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. In the best cultural tradition of St. Louis-Forest Park, there is no admission charge and no tickets are issued. So, be warned, the seats go fast.

The 2009-2010 Bach at the Sem season is as follows:

Sunday, October 25, 3:00 p.m. Psalm 130: De profundis, Out of the Depths I Cry to You, O Lord, is performed. This prayer, in plainsong and Anglican chant settings, is confession, meditation, and hope for us and our times. Also offered are composers Schein, Handel, and Bach’s Cantata, BWV 38. Together with these significant works, Psalm 130 culminates in Luther’s great hymn for congregation. The concert’s finale consists of two great choruses by Handel from the Messiah.

Sunday, November 15, 3:00 p.m. David Fienen, guest organist, performs Concerto for Organ and Orchestra in C Major by Franz Joseph Haydn. Bach, Solo Cantata BWV 51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen for Solo Soprano and Trumpet with Stringed Orchestra, Kathryn Stieler, soprano; John Korak, trumpet. Handel, Psalm 112, Laudate pueri, Kathryn Stieler, soprano, with chorus and orchestra.

Sunday, December 13, 3:00 p.m. The American Kantorei presents an Advent and Christmas Celebration. J. S. Bach, Christmas Oratorio: Parts I; II, Sinfonia; VI, Final Chorale. G. F. Handel, Five Great Choruses from the Messiah.

Sunday, January 31, 3:00 p.m. Organ recital by Dennis Bergin. Klavierübung III. Chorales by Bach presented by the American Kantorei and soloists. J. S. Bach, Sonata for Flute and Harpsichord. Paula Kasica, flute, and Mieko Hironaka Bergt, harpsichord.

Sunday, March 21, 3:00 p.m. The American Kantorei, with soloists Jeral Becker, Evangelist, and Jay Willoughby, Christ, present J. S. Bach’s The Passion of Our Lord, According to St. John. Aria soloists are principals of The American Kantorei. A celebration of the birthday of J. S. Bach.

Sunday, May 2, 3:00 p.m. J. S. Bach, Mass in B Minor. Soloists are principals of The American Kantorei.

What Bach at the Sem showcases is that—again, recent events notwithstanding—there is a close bond between religion and the fine arts. At least when they’re at their best, they are mutually creative and enriching. I’ll present a second case in point of exactly that soon.

Bach at the Sem is funded largely through the generosity of individual supporters. A free-will offering is received at each concert in support of the series. For more information concerning Bach at the Sem or to be added to the Bach at the Sem mailing list, contact Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7362; Bach@csl.edu.