The Bach Institute Presents ‘Mass in B Minor’ March 23

The Bach Institute at Valparaiso University presents its triennial performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor on Saturday, March 23, featuring the Valparaiso University Chorale and Bach Choir.

Bach’s most beloved and inspirational piece, Mass in B Minor is a universal statement of Christian faith that speaks to the essence of the human condition. The extraordinary Mass in B Minor was one of Bach’s last major compositions, completed the year before his death in 1750. Much of the work, however, was composed earlier in Bach’s life. Several sections of Mass in B Minor were composed during Bach’s residence in Leipzig, Germany, where members of the Valparaiso University Chorale were fortunate enough to visit during residencies at St. Thomas Church.<

"Mass in B Minor is not just J.S. Bach’s ultimate musical legacy to the world, but it is a work which still speaks profoundly to every listener who encounters it today,” said Christopher M. Cock, Bach Institute Director and Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Lutheran Music at Valparaiso University.

The Bach Institute was established to ensure the legacy of the music and theological perspective of Bach for future generations. The Institute explores the life and music of J.S. Bach from its proper historic, musical and theological context through faithful and artistic performances, seminars and other academic activities.

The Bach Institute’s performance of Mass in B Minor will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, in the Chapel of the Resurrection on Valparaiso University’s campus.

Tickets are available online at valpo.edu/bach or the Valpo box office at 464.5162. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for senior citizens and non-Valpo students. For reserved seating, please RSVP by March 1 at bach.institute@valpo.edu; reserved seats cost $40. Admission is free to Valpo students, faculty and staff.