Our Next Concert
Bach and Handel: Baroque Brilliance
For our Spring concert, Nottingham Bach Choir will collaborate once again with the excellent St Mary's Children's Choir to present three masterworks from the high Baroque. Handel's Zadok the Priest was composed for the coronation of George II in 1727 and has been sung at every British coronation since, whilst the Foundling Hospital Anthem reflects a rather different side of Handel's life in London; written in 1749 for the opening of the chapel of the Foundling Hospital for orphaned or abandoned children, it also draws on several movements from earlier compositions (including one that you are guaranteed to know!).
Completing the programme is Bach's sublime Cantata No. 21 "Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis", first performed in Weimar in 1714. One of Bach's most expansive and carefully crafted cantatas, it traces an emotional journey from anxiety and sorrow to confidence and exuberant joy. Join us and experience this life-affirming music!
Saturday 21, March 2026, 3:00 pm
St Mary's Church, Lace Market, Nottingham
Nottingham Bach Choir is a friendly auditioned choir of around 80 singers which performs at least three concerts annually. Its wide repertoire includes a major Bach work each year.
We rehearse weekly on Tuesday evenings at St John’s Church, Carrington during term time. There are around 80 members and the Choir is always happy to welcome more (see Join the Choir). The Choir performs three main concerts each year usually in St Mary’s Church, Nottingham or at Southwell Minster, and also often gives a popular Christmas Concert in St Peter’s Church, Nottingham.
The Choir gives high quality performances and regularly receives outstanding reviews for its concerts. It is renowned for its sensitive and expressive interpretations of a wide range of choral music ranging from the late Renaissance to the modern day, but in particular the works of J.S. Bach which are central to its repertoire.
Since becoming Director of Music in 2019, Peter Siepmann has maintained and enhanced the choir’s reputation for high quality music making, leading us in the performance of a varied repertoire by both contemporary and classical composers alongside the music of Bach. Previous conductors have each put their own stamp on the Choir’s repertoire and performance style, with Paul Hale (Director of Music, 1990-2019) particularly championing the works of Elgar. For further details of concerts and previous performances click here.
If you are interested in joining Nottingham Bach Choir then contact our Membership Secretary through the Join the Choir page. If you wish to come to our concerts, then contact our Turn on Javascript! or explore our website for further details.