2016
The Leipzig Cantata Project is building new audiences for Bach cantata performances by presenting full Bach cantatas with full period instrument orchestra with wine, snacks, and an engaging guest speaker who can give historical/liturgical/spiritual context to bring this text alive for anyone, regardless of religious beliefs.
We believe that building new audiences starts with never skimping on artistic values. Our performances feature the leading, established experts in the field of period performance, such as John Thiessen (recently profiled in the New York Times and a professor at Juilliard) and Elizabeth Blumenstock (very familiar to local audiences and also a professor at Juilliard and concertmaster at major baroque orchestras). These fantastically engaging musicians lead an ensemble consisting of both established and emerging artists to create engaging and memorable artistic experiences.
The culinary aspect to our events is inspired by similar presentations by successful events by Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra in Toronto with food and drink. We hope that integrating these into a Bach cantata experience will mean a totally new level of engagement from audiences future and present.
The result is a multisensory, inspirational, emotionally fulfilling performance. Combined with low ticket prices of $20, made possible through generous donations of snacks and wine, the Leipzig Cantata Project hopes to help build new audiences that feel the same intense passion for this music that we artists do.
San Francisco and beyond
www.benkazez.com/leipzig