Labadie Conducts Bach’s Easter Oratorio

Canadian maestro Bernard Labadie, one of the leading interpreters of the Baroque and Classical repertoire, conducts the first-ever SF Symphony performances of Bach's Easter Oratorio, a spectacular celebration of Christ's resurrection. Bach was a devout Lutheran, but he wrote music for real human beings, not musical sermons for potential saints. Who wouldn't feel the grief of a mother who has lost her son, the sorrow of his devoted disciples, or the anguish of one who found redemption in his love? And who wouldn't share in their exultation when he returns? Bach's vivid Magnificat depicts Mary's response to the news that she will bear the son of God. Although the score calls for large forces by Bach's standards, the magnificence of the Magnificat never supplants the mystery.

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Open Rehearsal Tickets - https://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2025-26/OR-BACH-EASTER-ORATORIO
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Artists

Bernard Labadie
Conductor

Joélle Harvey
Soprano

Hugh Cutting
Countertenor

Andrew Haji
Tenor

Joshua Hopkins
Baritone

San Francisco Symphony Chorus

Jenny Wong
Director, San Francisco Symphony Chorus

San Francisco Symphony


Program

Johann Sebastian Bach
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249
First SF Symphony Performances

Johann Sebastian Bach
Sinfonia to Wir danken dir, Gott, BWV 29

Johann Sebastian Bach
Magnificat in D major, BWV 243