Sonoma Bach is comprised of three resident ensembles—Our large 60 voice Bach Choir, our medium 20 voice Chamber Choir, Circa 1600 and our small 6 voice one-on-a-part Consort, Green Mountain Consort. We prepare and perform an annual series of seven concert sets, featuring the finest repertoire presented in imaginative programs designed to bring to life the magic of the music and to connect compellingly with our audiences.
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Most of our concerts take place in the Green Music Center’s 240-seat Schroeder Hall, with its live acoustics, intimate audience experience, and wonderful Brombaugh pipe organ. In addition, we offer site-specific concerts designed for special places in Sonoma County, such as our biannual concerts in the domed and frescoed Church of St. Seraphim. |
Season Finale: Music for Modern Times
May 16 at 3PM & May 17 at 3PM
bachgrounder lecture 35 minutes before each concert
Circa 1600
Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center
May 16 at 3PM & May 17 at 3PM
bachgrounder lecture 35 minutes before each concert
Circa 1600
Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center
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Finally, as previously mentioned, we’ll step across a line we’ve rarely crossed: Circa 1600 will go spelunking through the 20th century and into the 21st. We’ll touch upon the rich chanson repertoire of the great impressionist composers Debussy and Ravel; we’ll explore Paul Hindemith’s grim madrigals and touching chansons; we’ll do a deep dive into Benjamin Britten, including his great Rejoice in the Lamb, with organ accompaniment and with lyrics by the eccentric Christopher Smart. Samuel Barber will make an appearance, as well as a number of living composers. And—wait for it!—a bit of jazz just might be heard as we usher out our season in style!
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Virtual BachTalk: Johannes Brahms and the Geometry of Hope
Amanda McFadden, associate music director
Join Sonoma Bach Choir Director Amanda McFadden on Zoom for an illuminating introduction to Johannes Brahms and the Geometry of Hope. Discover the emotional depths of Brahms’ Schicksalslied and Ein deutsches Requiem, music of profound sorrow, comfort, and hope for the living. This online talk offers insight into his Song of Destiny as well as observations about the architecture and spiritual vision behind one of Brahms’ most moving masterpieces.
Amanda McFadden, associate music director
Join Sonoma Bach Choir Director Amanda McFadden on Zoom for an illuminating introduction to Johannes Brahms and the Geometry of Hope. Discover the emotional depths of Brahms’ Schicksalslied and Ein deutsches Requiem, music of profound sorrow, comfort, and hope for the living. This online talk offers insight into his Song of Destiny as well as observations about the architecture and spiritual vision behind one of Brahms’ most moving masterpieces.
Virtual BachTalk: Early Music Christmas
Amanda McFadden, associate music director
Join Associate Director Amanda McFadden for an Online BachTalk preview of our 14th-annual Early Music Christmas. Amanda will guide us through the sounds of the 17th century: featuring music from Germany, England, and France including works by Praetorius, Gibbons, Charpentier, and more! Learn how these pieces come together to illuminate the Christmas story, from the Annunciation to the Visitation and onward to the joyous birth of Christ. Enjoy insights into the composers, the historical sound world, and regional insights that make 17th-century music unique.
Amanda McFadden, associate music director
Join Associate Director Amanda McFadden for an Online BachTalk preview of our 14th-annual Early Music Christmas. Amanda will guide us through the sounds of the 17th century: featuring music from Germany, England, and France including works by Praetorius, Gibbons, Charpentier, and more! Learn how these pieces come together to illuminate the Christmas story, from the Annunciation to the Visitation and onward to the joyous birth of Christ. Enjoy insights into the composers, the historical sound world, and regional insights that make 17th-century music unique.
Season Introduction: One Long River of Song
Robert Worth, music director & Amanda McFadden, associate music director
Sonoma Bach’s Music Director Bob Worth and Associate Music Director Amanda McFadden present an insightful BachTalk as they take you behind the scenes of our 2025–26 season: One Long River of Song. This video dives into the themes, repertoire, and inspiration behind the season’s concerts, exploring how music flows through time and connects us in a shared human experience. Whether you’re a longtime Sonoma Bach enthusiast or new to our community, this is a perfect opportunity to preview the season.
Robert Worth, music director & Amanda McFadden, associate music director
Sonoma Bach’s Music Director Bob Worth and Associate Music Director Amanda McFadden present an insightful BachTalk as they take you behind the scenes of our 2025–26 season: One Long River of Song. This video dives into the themes, repertoire, and inspiration behind the season’s concerts, exploring how music flows through time and connects us in a shared human experience. Whether you’re a longtime Sonoma Bach enthusiast or new to our community, this is a perfect opportunity to preview the season.
Click image to view 2025-2026 season brochure
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Give Voice to Early Music!
Right before the start of every rehearsal there’s a special energy—a sense of timelessness, as musicians work together to bring centuries-old music to life. This energy, these programs, and this legacy are all made possible by the generosity of donors who share Sonoma Bach’s passion for early music.
Give Voice to Early Music and Support Sonoma Bach Today!
Give Voice to Early Music and Support Sonoma Bach Today!