1. What is your guiding principal when putting together a season's repertoire and what common theme did you choose for this Sixths season of the Bach@7 series?
 
MG: In general, when planning Bach@7 programs, rather than only resorting to exploring the music of Bach and his contemporaries, I prefer to look to other centuries and find works that share a similar theme. For example, this season we will be visiting the earliest examples of the oratorio that developed in Rome in the 17th century – all the way to the 21st century, with a newly commissioned work that shares the same theme as Bach Cantata BWV 125.

Today, in celebration of St. Valentine’s Day and Choral Arts' 35th Anniversary season, we are shining a spotlight on eight of our members, 4 couples-in-love who sing and play with us. Their devotion to each other and love of music making (be it a professional career or a passionate hobby) is a very special force that contributes to the overall positive and creative environment we all enjoy here at Choral Arts and the Bach Collegium of Philadelphia.

Please meet:
Amey Hutchins (Alto) -- Dylan Steinberg (Tenor)
Geoffrey Burgess (Baroque Oboe) -- Leon Schelhase (Harpsichord)
Patty Cheek (Soprano) -- Ted Cheek (Bass, Board member)
Daniela Pierson (Viola) -- Christof Richter (Violin)

Ahead of the 2017-2018 season of so many anniversaries for our organization and for the world, Artistic Director Matt Glandorf talks Early music, his love for organ, the Reformation, and what it means to be a good conductor.

Q: You are a highly regarded organist. Please tell us about your studies at The Curtis Institute of Music.  
 
MG: I always had so many different musical interests. I had played the organ during my formative years, and I suppose the organ is, next to choirs, my first love. However, I also thought I might want to compose for Musical Theater.

When I moved back to US from Germany I simply wanted to take organ lessons. I went to audition for John Weaver who invited me to attend The Curtis Institute of Music. So, at age 16, I moved to Philadelphia and began my studies. The best part was being surrounded by such high level musicians. I learned so much about chamber music, opera and piano repertoire, and got the first rate training for the orchestra.