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Telemann: Cantatas from the Harmonischer Gottesdienst.

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View the program 

theotokossqElisse Albian ~ soprano
John Taylor Ward ~ bass-baritone
Kelsey Burnham ~ Baroque flute and recorder
Manami Mizumoto ~ violin
Doug Balliett ~ viola da gamba
Elliot Figg ~ harpsichord

When Bach composed his cantata cycle for St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, he was not the first choice for the job. That distinction belongs to Telemann, who also composed a complete cantata cycle for the liturgical year. Telemann's cycle, though composed for smaller forces, is equally evocative and dramatic in its word-painting and charged emotion. We present three of Telemann's most exciting, bizarre, and touching cantatas from this cycle.

Theotokos is the living embodiment of a Baroque church ensemble. In residence at St. Mary Grand in New York City, every week a new cantata is composed and performed by the group, based on and tightly linked with the liturgical readings assigned to that date. In addition, theologically relevant Baroque music is performed. In 2021 Theotokos began a collaboration with The Juilliard School Historical Performance program.

Artist Website

1:15–2:00 pm
All concerts are free; no tickets or reservations are necessary.

In person at St. Malachy's Church, 239 West 49th Street, Manhattan

Live stream details: You can watch it on your computer in any of two places by clicking on the name you wish: our website or YouTube.

Midtown Concerts sponsors lunchtime performances of music of the 18th century and earlier. Ensembles are chosen by a panel of early music specialists from the metropolitan area.

Time: Thursdays, 1:15–2:00 pm
All concerts are free; no tickets or reservations are necessary.

Concerts are in person at St. Malachy's Church, 239 West 49th Street, Manhattan, AND live streamed.