| Emmanuel Music is the only
organization in the world performing the cantatas of Johann
Sebastian Bach as they were intended, as part of a worship
service. Since 1970, the Orchestra and Chorus of Emmanuel
Music have presented Bach cantatas during the Sunday services
at Emmanuel Church in Boston’s Back Bay. The current
placement of the cantata after the distribution of communion
provides the congregation an extended time of meditation for
integration of the elements of the service, so that we are
better prepared to be of service in the wider world during
the coming week.
Bach wrote over two hundred sacred cantatas. They were performed
during Sunday services at Leipzig’s St. Thomas Church,
where he served as Kapellmeister from 1723 until his death
in 1750. Emmanuel Church has revived the cantata tradition:
during each Sunday’s 10:00am service, from September
through May, Emmanuel’s liturgy includes a cantata as
well as other great works of music. The
2008/9 Bach Cantata Series began on October 5th.
This November, John Harbison, Acting Director of Emmanuel Music, and Michael Beattie, Associate Conductor, agreed to continue in their roles through the 2009-2010 season. This will enable Emmanuel Church and Emmanuel Music to do a thorough search for an Artistic Director for Emmanuel Music. Please contact the Search Committee with your suggestions or concerns.
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Craig Smith (1947-2007) |
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Emmanuel Music's beloved founder and artistic director died November 14th, 2007. Craig's distinguished career was lived in and with Emmanuel Church for thirty-eight years. His legacy in the church and in the Boston music community is profound. A moving memorial service was held at Emmanuel Church on Thursday, January 31, 2008. |
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- Obituary,
Boston Globe, Nov. 15, 2007
- Jeremy Eichler's article
about the memorial service, Boston Globe,
Jan. 31, 2008
Memorial Fund:
Our vestry has established a fund in collaboration
with Emmanuel
Music to create a memorial to Craig Smith. Please
send your donations to Emmanuel Church (or place them
in the offering plate) with the notation "Craig Smith
Memorial".
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For additional information, including ticket purchases, please call Emmanuel Music at 617.536.3356 or visit Emmanuel Music’s Website. |
