Echoes of the English Cathedrals

The San Francisco Bach Choir, under the baton of Musical Director David Babbitt, opens its 64th season with an elegant concert of works for voices and viols from the Elizabethan Renaissance. This first program in a season of treasures from the early choral tradition features both the main choir and smaller ensembles and introduces the newly formed San Francisco Bach Choir Consort of Viols, under the direction of Mr. Babbitt.

Two venues chosen to enhance this highly expressive and intimate repertoire—St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley, and Trinity Episcopal Church in San Francisco—will set the stage for an evening of graceful music from England’s distinctive Tudor period. Centered on an ethereal Mass for four voices by Thomas Tallis, the concerts include a double choir presentation as well as other works by Orlando Gibbons and William Byrd. Internationally renowned guest artists Mary Springfels and John Dornenburg will round out the program with an exciting display of virtuoso viol playing, presenting two works for bass gambas by Thomas Ford.