The music of Johann Sebastian Bach is the cornerstone of the festival, but performances often feature music by other well-known Baroque composers such as Vivaldi, Handel and Telemann.of “under” The “” in the festival’s name refers to the inclusion of works by lesser-known (and contemporary) composers artistically associated with familiar superstars.

Cooper points out that this year’s festival features a central theme that focuses on Leipzig’s St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) and the various composers associated with it. The church is most famous as the place where Bach worked as Kapellmeister and where his remains are now located. The Thomaskirche choir, the Thomahner Choir, was founded in 1212 and is one of the oldest and most famous boys’ choirs in Germany. Thomas Cantor heads a position held by many famous composers and musicians, including Bach, from 1723 until his death in 1750.

One of these connected composers featured in the festival’s two concert programs is Johann Friedrich Fasch.

A composer who, more than any other work, bridged the Baroque and early Classical styles, he began attending St. Thomas’ School in 1701, where he sang in the choir, learned to play the violin and keyboard, and learned vocal music. Began to compose works and musical compositions. Overture. In 1722, he famously declined the post of Cantor of the Church, but was eventually taken over by Bach.

On the left is Jonathan Decker (23), a clarinetist. He is an up-and-coming artist who is attracting attention for his performance at this year’s “Bach & Beyond Baroque Music Festival”, which will be held again in 1891 at the Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center. And on the right, under Artistic Director Grant Cooper, this year’s three-part concert series will feature a central theme focused on St. Thomas’ Church (Thomaskirche) in Leipzig, Germany, and various Baroque composers associated with it. I’m here. Up-and-coming artists will also perform at each concert.

Two others associated with St. Thomas were Georg Philipp Telemann and Christoph Graupner, both of whom offered the Cantorian position that would eventually become Bach. However, both turned down the job in exchange for a pay raise from their existing employers. Bach “mediocre” The candidate was the third choice behind Telemann and Graupner. Works by both Telemann and Graupner will also be featured at this year’s festival.

Continuing the practice that began last year, the Bach Musicians’ Ensemble will feature featured emerging artists at the pinnacle of their performing careers at each concert. Clarinetist Jonathan Decker, winner of the 2022 Eastern Music Festival Concerto Competition, will perform Fasch’s Chalumeau Concerto, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto A and Copland’s Clarinet Concerto.

Decker, 23, is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in clarinet performance and music education. He has played in the University of Massachusetts Brass Band and the University of Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, where he is principal clarinetist. He is also active in playing chamber music. He has attended masterclasses with teachers such as David Shiffrin, Charles Naidich, Mark Dover, and the United States Army Clarinet Quartet. He plans to attend the master’s program at the Juilliard School this fall.

Festival concerts are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm. The full concert program is posted on his website at the Opera House, www.fredopera.org. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating at each concert. Student tickets are $10. A subscription to all three concerts is available for $51. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by calling 716-679-1891 Fridays from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM. It can also be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org.

The Bach & Beyond Festival is supported in part by public funds from the New York State Arts Council, with the support of the Governor’s Office and the New York State Legislature. Patrons of the founding festival are (the late) Carol and Jim Boltz. Concert sponsors are Evans & Evans LLP, Ann Patterson and Martin Shaffer, and Cindy and Barbara Johim. It also receives support from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported non-profit performing arts center with a mission to: “We showcase the performing arts for the benefit of our communities and regions, provide access to a diversity of the arts, and provide affordable, high-quality programming.” Located at the Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, please visit www.fredopera.org.