Johann Sebastian Bach

(GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.) – Berkshire Bach Society celebrates its 25th season with its annual “Bach at New Year’s” program, featuring the Berkshire Bach Ensemble and director-harpsichordist Kenneth Cooper at the Mahaiwe on Thursday, December 31, 2015, at 6pm. Soloists are Eugene Drucker, Benjamin Luxon, Allan Dean, Neil Mueller, Gerald Serfass, Joel Pitchon, Meg Owens, Ronald Gorevic and Judith Mendenhall, in a program including Vivaldi’s Concerto in C for two trumpets; Corelli’s Concerto Opus 6 # 8 Composed for Christmas Eve; and JS Bach’s Violin Concerto #1 in A minor and Brandenburg Concerti Nos. 2 and 3.

Over the past 25 seasons, the Berkshire Bach Ensemble has grown to include a musically rich and deep collection of outstanding soloists.  In recognition and appreciation, this year’s silver anniversary program has been designed to give an array of soloists the opportunity to shine. Featured artists include violinist Eugene Drucker in Bach’s Violin Concerto #1, trumpeter Jerry Serfass in Bach’s Brandenburg #2, trumpeters Allan Dean and Neil Mueller in Vivaldi’s Concerto in C for 2 Trumpets, and baritone narrator Benjamin Luxon in Corelli’s Christmas Concerto.

Oboist Meg Owens, violinists Joel Pitchon and Ronald Gorevic, and flutist Judith Mendenhall complete the robust roster of soloists, with Kenneth Cooper directing the ensemble of 20 from the harpsichord. Cooper adds new trumpet ornaments in the Vivaldi Double Concerto, his adaptation of the famous lines from Luke in Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, and, as ever, a little fun with the Adagio for the third Brandenburg Concerto.