Bach Chamber Choir

The Bach Chamber Choir & Orchestra was formed in 1969 by a group of Milwaukee, Wisconsin singers and instrumentalists who desired that there be a group to focus on early choral and instrumental chamber music, especially music from the Baroque and Classical periods. Then, as now, the group was a volunteer group. (From Official Website.)
At its inception, the group performed only works of JS Bach, but later expanded its repertoire to include other works of classical and fine arts.
Directors
Brian McLinden has been the director/conductor of the Choir since 1993.
Concerts
In the 2006 season the group gave a concert named "De Colores, The Colors of Latin Music", featuring songs in Spanish and Latin as well as English. "An Italian Baroque Christmas." A Palm Sunday performance named, "Kirchenmusik Sacred music of the German Romantic composers." and "All Creatures Great and Small Aarvarks, Zebras and everything in between."
In the 2007 Season the group gave a concert Featuring the Mozart Solemn Vespers (Vesperae solennes de confessore - K.V. 339), featuring a guest quartet of local talent, and other Mozart pieces on November 2. It was held at St Mary Catholic Faith Community in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
On January 6, 2008, they performed an Epiphany Concert featuring Bach—Cantata Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140 (Sleepers Awake!), featuring guest talent and other pieces of the same theme. It was held at St Mary’s Elm Grove (Church), in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.
The Palm Sunday Concert on March 16, 2008 was titled "Paschal Lessons and Carols" and featured shorter seasonal selections, such as Gibbon’s Hosanna to the Son of David— Some with organ, and some a cappella with Readings interspersed throughout the selections. The concert was performed at the amazing Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee.
The groups Spring Concert, “Madrigals, Mayhem, and More” was held on May 30, 2008, and featured Various madrigals, performed along with narration, staging and costumes. This concert was held on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College in Schwan Hall.
Hiring the Group
The group is at times hired to perform for weddings, special occasions and holiday parties.
Joining the Choir
Auditions for the choir are held throughout the year. All auditions are private auditions with the director, Brian McLinden.
During the audition the director will check the singer’s range, vocal quality, vocal control and general musicianship. No prepared material is required.
While the ability to read music is helpful it is not a requirement in order to become part of the choir.
Membership
Members are required to pay yearly dues and are invited to participate in 'hired' opportunities as well as other fund raising events throughout the year.
Recordings
All concert performances are recorded and are available on compact disc from the Choir.
The Orchestra
Changes in professional opportunities for instrumental musicians over the years allowed many of the BCC&O instrumentalists to move into the professional arena. As a result the “volunteer” orchestra could not be maintained as such. When instrumentalists are needed now, the BCC&O hires professionals. Since the choir was incorporated under the name “Bach Chamber Choir and Orchestra”, the “and Orchestra” part of the name has been retained.
Music Directors
* Brian McLinden (1993-present)

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