Watch a summary of the first concert in the Bach Cantata Series at Duke University Chapel. Find the series schedule here: https://chapel.duke.edu/music#Bach. The cantatas were explicitly designed to be theologically rich, educational, and inspirational for one purpose - to glorify God and refresh the human soul. In the same way, this series provides a modern connection with this great music of the past, exploring both the theological underpinnings of the pieces, as well as their sheer musical brilliance. Each month will feature a Bach cantata with other meditative sacred and instrumental music. The Bach series will offer time of reflection, sanctuary, and peace, regardless of one's religious background. The centerpieces of the first program -- held September 11, 2016 at Duke Chapel -- include J. S. Bach’s cantata #135, Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder (Ah Lord, I am a poor sinner) and Dietrich Buxtehude’s grandiose motet Gott, hilf mir (God, help me). Both selections explore the theme of repentance, which is found in the Gospel reading for September 11th from Luke 15:10, “there shall be joy before the angels and God over a single sinner who repents.” The chorale tune of Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder is one people will likely recognize as the tune to “O Sacred Head Now Wounded,” a familiar hymn most often heard during Lent and Holy Week. This hymn tune can be heard in 3 musical selections, the organ chorale, cantata, and finally the Quartet in Gm that will end the performance.

The Chapel’s Vespers Ensemble, along with the Cappella Baroque orchestra, presented the Bach Vespers concert Friday, Oct. 16, in Goodson Chapel at Duke Divinity School. In line with the Chapel’s mission to bridge faith and learning, the concert was constructed to provide an opportunity to hear J. S. Bach’s music in its original context of a worship service. The 80-minute program was presented according to the order of a Lutheran vespers service at the time of Bach, and drew upon music from Bach and contemporary composers. This video slideshow presents highlights from the concert. Read the concert program: http://issuu.com/brianschmidtmusic/docs/bach_vespers_program__issuu_/1 . CREDITS Conductor Dr. Brian Schmidt Organist Christopher Jacboson Presiding Pastor Dr. Anne Gidion Soloists Samantha Arten Thomas Isaac Collins Lydia Greene Nathan Jones Ryan Koter Michael Lyle Meredith Pysnik Choir The Duke Vespers Ensemble Orchestra Cappella Baroque Players Producer and Editor James Todd Photography Chrislyn Choo Sound Engineer Josiah Brock Videography Michael Burns

A collaboration between the Baylor A Cappella Choir and Baylor Chaplain's office, to create an inspiring end-of-year message for the Baylor Community. (Music begins around 4:30)

The Duke Vespers Ensemble leads a weekly evening choral worship services at Duke Chapel. It also records professional albums and performs concerts at the Chapel and elsewhere. The group is a chamber ensemble focused on the performance of Renaissance polyphony and related genres. Learn more here: https://chapel.duke.edu/worship/music/choirs#vespers_ensemble.