Bach's catalog of works is counted as one of the most significant legacies in Western music. It displays the outstanding talents, skills, and creativity that J. S. Bach had, as well as his prolific work ethic. Composed between the years of 1707 and 1745, Bach’s catalog contains 198 sacred cantatas and sixteen secular cantatas. Additionally, there are a number of cantatas that unfortunately have been lost. In this concert, Meritáge will explore cantatas written for different moments in the ecclesiastic year.

The first half of the concert presents the magnificent Cantata BWV 21, Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, in celebration of the Holy Trinity. This work is a model of a genre in which Bach alternates arias and recitatives for soloists, through-composed polyphonic choral movements, and homophonic chorales in the style of Lutheran hymns, all with orchestral accompaniment. This first half of the concert ends with the short and delightful Wedding Cantata, BWV 196, Der Herr denket an uns. The second half presents Cantata BWV 12, Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen, written for the Jubilate, and Cantata BWV 61, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, written for Advent. The concert will finish with the iconic last choral movement of Cantata BWV 147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, known as Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

Meritáge is committed to its mission of creating community through music making by bringing together orchestra musicians and local high school choirs. This year, students from Valley High School (Santa Ana Unified School District), led by Jessica Cosley, will be joining Meritage on stage for the second half of the concert.