San Francisco Symphony
Thursday, April 09 2026 | 10:00 AM
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OPEN REHEARSAL: BACH’S EASTER ORATORIO
San Francisco Symphony, Davies Hall
Canadian maestro Bernard Labadie, one of the leading interpreters of the Baroque and Classical repertoire, conducts the first-ever SF Symphony performances of Bach’s Easter Oratorio, a spectacular celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Bach was a devout Lutheran, but he wrote music for real human beings, not musical sermons for potential saints. Who wouldn’t feel the grief of a mother who has lost her son, the sorrow of his devoted disciples, or the anguish of one who found redemption in his love? And who wouldn’t share in their exultation when he returns? Bach’s vivid Magnificat depicts Mary’s response to the news that she will bear the son of God. Although the score calls for large forces by Bach’s standards, the magnificence of the Magnificat never supplants the mystery.
An Inside Music Talk with Alicia Mastromonaco, PhD, will be presented on stage at 9:00am before the Open Rehearsal. Free to all ticketholders
