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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 Jonathan King, this performance will feature Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd (The lively hunt is all my heart's desire), BWV 208 also known as the Hunting Cantata. The Polyphonists will be the soloists. This vocal quartet consists of current M.M. student Amy Broadbent, soprano; Sylvia Leith, mezzo-soprano; alumnus Matthew Hill, tenor; and Edmund Milly, bass-baritone.

BWV 208 was written in 1713 as a secular work to celebrate the birthday of Duke Christian of Saxe-Weissenfels, a member of the royal family known for his hunting skills. Completed during Bach's time in Weimar, this score serves as the earliest of his known secular cantatas and includes a libretto by Salomon Franck, Weimar court poet. Each soloist having a particular identity, Franck draws on four mythological personages to celebrate the Duke: Diana, goddess of the hunt; Endymion, handsome shepherd and mortal lover to Diana; Pales, goddess of livestock; and Pan, the god of the wild who was half man and half goat. With an exuberant and at times humorous affinity for Duke Christian, our four characters put their own preoccupations aside to express their love and respect for the prince, accompanied in perfection with horn calls, earthy tones of double reeds and a plethora of folk rhythms and idioms.

About UMD Choral Activities:

Led by Edward Maclary, the choral ensembles have achieved international renown and offer a wide array of 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.

Health + Safety

All patrons 12 years of age and older are required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 48 hours of the performance for entry into the venue (home tests will NOT be accepted). 

Masks must be worn at all times. Please see our Health + Safety page for more information.