Still basking in the afterglow of the filmfest, Toronto’s arts scene is preparing to welcome yet another international festival, albeit one of a decidedly different nature. From October 1 to 9, U of T’s Faculty of Music will play host to a plethora of local and international talent for a week-long celebration of the music of Baroque composer J.S. Bach.
Founded last year by U of T prof Doreen Rao (who also acts as the festival’s artistic director), the festival is the faculty’s most ambitious event of the season. It features an intense schedule of lectures, open rehearsals, symphonic concerts, organ recitals, and the centerpiece, a series of choral performances focusing on Bach’s cantatas.
Each cantata-a large-scale work for choir and orchestra-will be presented as an all-day affair. A day pass grants access to a morning lecture, led by famed guest conductor Helmuth Rilling, which explores the politics and historical conditions around Bach’s work. It also includes an open choral/orchestral rehearsal led by Rilling, and, after an open chat with the performers, an evening performance of that same cantata.
The beauty of the cantata series is that, in spending the day learning about the music and being part of the preparation process, the audience enters into the experience and forms a bond with the music (and the performers) that isn’t present at the average concert.
But with so much choral music to choose from, why craft this grand series of concerts around the music of Bach? To third-year music education student Jeff Magee, a member of the MacMillan Singers choir, it’s all about the context.
“Bach’s music was seen as revolutionary during the time it was written. He formed many of the rules that we use and take for granted today,” Magee says.
Rao is more effusive in explaining the choice: “Everything Bach wrote embodies life. He combined deep intellectual content with a remarkably emotional affective component in music that is profoundly spiritual.”
The notion of inclusiveness is the founding principle behind the festival, Rao explains. There are many points of access to Bach’s music, so everyone-from the most learned musicologist to the casual listener-can come away having enjoyed and learned from the experience.
Students are also thrilled to welcome the special guests that are participating in the festival. From famed Canadian soprano Lorna MacDonald and German tenor James Taylor to members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Moran Chamber Ensemble from Israel, there will be plenty of opportunities for cultural and musical exchange.
“I’m excited to work with people from the other side of the world, and to see how they perceive the music,” says first-year music student Lily Ling.
This exchange has a professional benefit as well, explains Magee.
“It’s a week that pays off” in terms of personal development as a musician, he notes. “[The festival] provides a good opportunity to work with a really great conductor and gain valuable experience as a solo performer.”
The faculty envisions the festival, now in its second year, becoming an important annual event in the Toronto classical music scene. But, stresses Rao, this is a university, and the educational focus will always remain paramount.
“The essence of education through musical performance distinguishes this festival as not just another collection of performance ensembles, but education at the highest standard of excellence,” she points out.
Somewhere, ol’ Johann is smiling.
Tickets for individual events range between $10-$35. Call the Festival box office at 416-978-3744, or go online at www.internationalbachfestival.com
