The B Minor Mass by Johann Sebastian Bach will be performed by the Stellenbosch Libertas Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Johan de Villiers, with Concert Master Jurgen Schwietering.

The solo parts will be sung by Standard Bank Young Artist for Music (2008) Zanne Stapelberg (soprano), Violina Anguelov (mezzo soprano), Given Nkosi (tenor), Andre Howard (baritone), with Zorada Temmingh on the organ.

The Mass in B minor is a musical setting of the complete Latin Mass by Johann Sebastian Bach, assembled in its present form by Bach in 1749, just before his death in 1750. The work is said to be one of his last, with much of it consisting of music that Bach had composed earlier. To finish the work, Bach composed new sections of the Credo such as Et incarnatus est, said to be some of his last major compositions.

“It is such an honor to be involved with the performance of this epic work by Bach,” said choir director Johan de Villiers. “It has been one of my life ambitions, and probably one of the ultimate musical experiences for me personally, and for us as a choir,” he added.

This is the first time in 10 years this work will be performed in full in the Western Cape.