Join us in person at The Clarice or watch the livestream from the comfort of your home.

J.S. Bach, known as the great master, wrote more than 200 cantatas, and UMD Choral Activities aims to sing them all in this series of short performances led by conductors in the graduate program. Conducted by Mark Helms, this performance will feature Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir (Lord God, we all praise you), BWV 130. This cantata was written for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (September 29) in Bach’s second year in Leipzig, 1724, and is performed today on the 298th anniversary of its premiere. In keeping with the militant themes of this feast day, the cantata calls for three trumpets and timpani in addition to the usual consort of strings and winds. The opening and closing choruses prominently feature a chorale tune that is known today in English-speaking countries as “Old Hundredth,” or the Doxology. The inner solo movements provide great variety: the alto secco recitative describes the glory of the angels in heaven; a thunderous bass aria with trumpets and timpani depicts a battle against the “old dragon;” a soft soprano and tenor duet, with its close harmonies, references the angels saving Daniel from the lion’s den and the Hebrew men from the fiery furnace; and the final aria for tenor and flute, which depicts the cherubim, is a lovely Gavotte in the galant style.

The chorus is open to community participation. Please contact umchoirs@umd.edu for more information on participating.

About UMD Choral Activities

Choral conducting alumnus Jason Max Ferdinand D.M.A. ’15 makes his season debut as the new director of choral activities. UMD's choral program is internationally regarded and offers students a wide array of choral experiences with music encompassing all styles and eras. In addition to this season’s on campus performances, the UMD Concert Choir participates in annual collaborations with both the National Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at premier venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

Health + Safety for In-Person Attendance

Patrons attending University of Maryland arts events are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. We continue to encourage audiences to wear a mask and stay current with vaccinations and boosters. Please see our Health & Safety information page for information about what to expect during your visit.