Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@vaecinci concluded its 2023-24 concert season at Christ Church Cathedral Cincinnati with an absolutely gorgeous performance of what may be considered Johann Sebastian Bach’s masterpiece, his Mass in B Minor. Among the most performed works in all of Western choral literature, it is not a wholly original composition by Bach but rather pieced together or adapted from earlier cantatas and other sacred works. Not performed complete until 1859, more than a century after Bach’s death, it is full of wistful, powerful and stirring melodies.
Vocal Arts Ensemble’s reading of the piece was pristine throughout, at once bright, clear, passionate and emotionally moving. The latter was the case in the ‘Et incarnatus est’ and ‘Crucifixus’ sections of the Credo and the opening, expansive Kyrie. They also brought Bach’s dancing figurations to life through florid coloratura sung with grace, precision, drama and elegance. Beautiful solos were also contributed by sopranos Kori Miller, Tiana Sorensen and Chelsea Helm, altos Lauren Mercado-Wright, Ellen Graham and Lauren McAllister, tenors Jason Vest and Wilson Nichols and baritones Enrico Lagasca and Simon Barrad.
McAllister’s solo in the Agnus Dei and Sorensen and Vest’s duet in the ‘Domine Deus’ section of the Hloria were some of the finest moments in the entire performance, full of emotional pathos and vivid vocal color.
Tonight’s concert was significant in that it marked Craig Hella Johnson’s last concerts as artistic director of Vocal Arts Ensemble after a decade at the helm. His conducting tonight was sweeping, insightful and full of pure joy.
It has been an absolute pleasure to watch this ensemble learn and grow under his leadership and help introduce new music to Cincinnati audiences as well as giving fresh, insightful performances of masterworks like the Bach B Minor Mass. One notable highlight during Johnson’s tenure has been getting two opportunities to hear his oratorio Considering Matthew Shepherd, which shows his genius as a composer in addition to being an amazing pianist and conductor. Cincinnati will never forget the musical gifts he has brought to help brighten the choral music jewels in the Queen City.