Inspired by Bach

Few composers make me think of Christmas time more than Bach. Perhaps it is because Johann Sebastian Bach was such a prolific composer that he was able to write so many works for Advent and Christmas, or perhaps it is because his music is so evocative of classical Christmas music to me.

When I decided that this year's CoroAllegro Christmas concert was going to be classically inspired, I knew immediately that I wanted to do the Bach Advent Cantatas. They present the opportunity to provide a complete musical experience for our singers and our audience members: vocal soloists, beautiful Bach Chorales, and an instrumental ensemble.

Bach music is highly adaptable to different instrumental ensembles, so I decided to present the music with a trio of violin, piano and cello. I am very excited to work with a prominent local cellist, Csilla Lakatos, our own in house accompanist Rob Kennan, and a dear friend and renowned Ecuadorian violinist Jorge Saade. It is extremely important to me to collaborate with a wide array of musicians from within Delaware, around the country, and around the world. I will always try to provide the highest quality musical experiences for our audiences and our singers, and to keep CoroAllegro fresh, innovative, and well-respected in the musical community.

Preparing Bach is always a difficult undertaking because of the intricacies of the musical lines and rhythms, and because of the German. We have been working hard and the music is coming along nicely. I am very excited for the remaining rehearsals where we will continue to polish and perfect the music.

The concert is going to be stunning, especially presented by candlelight in the gorgeous venue of Immanuel Highlands. The concert is going to be excellent, and I am proud and excited to be the Artistic Director of CoroAllegro.

--Jeff

Jeffrey Sean Dokken

CoroAllegro Artistic Director