Klingen Choir and Cultural Association organised a concert-exhibition “BACH Forever” which was on Saturday 9th March 2024 in St Cuthbert’s, Church, Kensington, London.
The event producer, manager and artistic director was maestro Sipan Olah from London.
Beethoven himself proclaimed that Bach (German for “brook”) should have been named Meer (German for “sea”) because his music was so great.
Like most myths, this one is based on a kernel of truth. Bach was not famous in his own time, certainly not an international celebrity like Handel. His works were published 100 years after his death.
In 1829 Mendelssohn after discovering Bach’s music scores organized a performance of the St. Matthew Passion, and that concert did much to popularize Bach and was part of a larger Bach appreciation movement that was already underway.
Maestro Sipan Olah with his colleagues has chosen the musical pieces very carefully to present diverse masterpieces by legendary Bach in one event. The concert was welcomed with a speech by Reverend Father Paul Begot. The concert began with Bach’s divine Air on the G from Suite No. 3 written for strings performed by Klingen Chamber Orchestra under the baton of maestro Sipan Olah, which was followed by piano concerto no.1 in D Minor in 3 parts. It was performed by the amazing pianist Valeri Ayvazyan who arrived from Glasgow to perform this concerto in London. This was Valeri’s debut performance in London.
Bach’s well known aria “Bist du bei Mir” – “When you are with me” was performed by talented soprano Narine Malkhasyan and pianist Marianna Abrahamyan
Another vocal piece, aria “Deposuit potentes” from Bach’s Magnificat was performed by well-known tenor Sipan Olah with his Klingen Chamber Orchestra.
Bach’s orchestral suite no. 2 is one of the most beloved musical pieces in the world.
During this event, the audience heard Polonaise, Double Polonaise, Minuet, Badinerie from this beautiful suite by enchanting flutist Nika Pinter with Klingen Chamber Orchestra under the baton of maestro Sipan Olah.
During the 20-minute intermission, the audience enjoyed the series of paintings and artworks by UK-Armenian artist Mariam Torossian from Cardiff, who specially arrived from Cardiff, Wales to present her art for the first time in London during this special event.
J.S.Bach’s cantata “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben” is known for its choir and orchestral piece “Jesus bleibet meine Freude” – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. The incredible London-based Klingen Choir with Klingen Chamber Orchestra, solo oboe Jack Hagop Mouradian and maestro Sipan Olah performed this piece with great passion. This was followed by another Bach’s masterpiece Piano Concerto no. 5 in F minor in 3 parts which was performed by amazing pianist Marianna Abrahamyan, specially arrived from Glasgow for tonight’s spectacular event. It was Marianna’s first performance with Klingen Chamber Orchestra and maestro Sipan Olah.
An exciting duet ‘Wir eilen mit schwachen’ – “We hasten with weak but diligent steps, Oh Jesus, oh Master of Salvation, to you” from Bach’s Cantata was performed by talented musicians, soprano Hayarpi Yeghikyan and mezzo soprano Helen Rotchell with Klingen Chamber Orchestra.
At the end of the event the charming Concerto for Oboe and Violin in C Minor in 3 parts, was performed by fantastic musicians Jack Hagop Mouradian oboe and Paula Gorbanova violin with the Klingen Chamber Orchestra under the baton of maestro Sipan Olah.
Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Councillor Dori Schmetterling presented a special speech at the end of the event about this impressive concert and thanked Sipan Olah and his fellow Armenian and British musicians for their outstanding performances. He also mentioned that this event was a major event dedicated to J.S.Bach after Covid Pandemic in Kensington and he felt very proud that Armenians were able to organise this rich cultural event in his borough.
The Armenian Ambassador in the UK His Excellency Varuzhan Nersesyan, Bishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church UK His Grace Hovakim Manukyan, chairman of the Armenian Committee Council in the UK Armand Abramian, Reverend Fathers Shnork Bagdassarian and Zadik Avedikian and about 200 music lovers were at the event.
Free refreshments and snacks were delivered during the break of the concert.
To find out more about KCCA visit our website: kcca.uk
Photos credit to Davit Gulakyan
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