The Chorale and Orchestra’s performance of this joyous music will leave you feeling exhilarated! Favorite Bach cantatas on the program include the opening chorus of Bach’s jubilant Ascension Oratorio (cantata 11) Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen. Listeners of Behind The Music, written and hosted by Stephen Morton, will recognize it as the theme music from that radio program. Bach’s cantata for Pentecost, Erschallet ihr Lieder (cantata 172) continues the musical celebration with festive trumpets, booming kettle drums, and vocal lines that are challenging to sing and fun to hear. Vocal fireworks are provided by soprano Stella Markou singing Bach’s Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen.  Sunrise Mass, a sublimely beautiful setting of the traditional mass texts by modern composer Ola Gjielo comprises the second half of the concert. Gjielo’s music is deeply personal, using lush textures and satifying harmonies to reflect his personal spiritual journey.