Key Chorale, in musical partnership with Church of the Redeemer, present an extraordinary weekend of music January 23^rd and 24^th with OPUS 1700. Eight of the nation’s leading Baroque vocalists join forces as both soloists and a dynamic vocal ensemble, creating rich and varied textures alongside Key Chorale’s Chamber Singers and the Key Chorale Chamber Orchestra.

On Friday night, January 23^rd, enjoy Handel’s iconic Hallelujah Chorus, The Trumpet Shall Sound, and the monumental finale Worthy is the Lamb sung expertly by the Chamber Singers and a cast of world-class soloists. Hear the Rest of the Story. While Part 1, the Christmas portion of Handel’s immortal Messiah, has become a holiday tradition, rarely can one experience the breathtaking music in Parts 2 and 3.

The rousing ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus, which concludes Part 2, is one of the most famous pieces of Baroque music, and by far the most widely known section of the work. Audiences oftentimes stand during performances, a tradition that allegedly began when King George II stood up during the chorus at the debut London performance. Stand or sit – we’ll wow you either way! 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Sam Nelson and Church of the Redeemer to present two of the most iconic masterpieces in the repertoire,” said Maestro Caulkins. “Sam Nelson will be conducting the lesser heard Parts 2 and 3 of Handel’s moving Messiah and I will conduct Bach’s Mass in B Minor, a true tour de force for singers and players alike.”

On Saturday afternoon, January 24^th, experience Bach’s Mass in B Minor—a towering masterpiece of vocal and orchestral brilliance. 

Bach’s final major work, the Mass in B Minor was composed over two decades and completed near the end of his life. Bach never heard the Mass performed in its entirety, nor did he even give it a title. Its first complete performance would not occur until 1859, more than a century after his death. 

From the awe-inspiring Kyrie to the jubilant Dona nobis pacem, the Mass unfolds with extraordinary richness: nine distinct arias and duets, fourteen ensemble movements for four, five, six, and even eight voices, and the deeply moving Et incarnatus est, Bach’s final pages of vocal music. 

“This is Bach’s most towering achievement,” Caulkins added. “His Mass in B Minor is the glorious summation of an extraordinary musical life—demonstrating Bach’s unparalleled skill, ingenuity, symbolism, and dramatic power.”

A highlight of both concerts will be the appearance of an octet of world-class vocal artists, internationally recognized for their expertise in Baroque performance.

Both performances will take place at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota.

OPUS 1700 – Handel
Friday, January 23, 7 PM

OPUS 1700 – Bach
Saturday, January 24, 1:30 PM

Tickets range from $15 - $45. Purchase online at KeyChorale.org or by calling 941-552-8768.