March 21-22, 2026

SEASON HIGHLIGHT  
J.S. BACH: MASS IN B MINOR BWV 232

The Mass in B minor represents a pinnacle and summation of Bach’s musical language into one cohesive work. Over the course of its diverse sections, Bach takes us on a journey through some of his most sublime musical ideas, from moments of meditation and repose, to full blown ecstasy and euphoria.  

SOLOISTS
Estelí Gomez, soprano  
Jay Carter, countertenor  
Aaron Sheehan, Michael Jones, tenors  
Enrico Lagasca, bass 

DATES & VENUES

Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
3459 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007

Sunday, March 22, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
All Souls’ Episcopal Church
1475 Catalina Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107

EVENT DURATION
2 hours with no intermission

PRELUDE PANEL
A pre-concert panel discussion will take place one hour before the start of each concert (6pm on March 21 and 4pm on March 22).

Bach’s Legacy: Is the Mass in B minor Bach's single greatest work?
A Discussion with Ruben Valenzuela, Jay Carter (countertenor), Elisabeth Axtell (natural horn), and Anna Marsh (bassoon)

TICKETS

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS CONCERT

  • Completed in 1748-9, the Mass in B minor was never performed during Bach’s lifetime. The first documented complete performance took place in 1859, over a century after Bach’s death.  

  • The title Mass in B minor was never used by Bach himself. The work was initially referred to as Die Grosse Catholische Messe (The Great Catholic Mass) by Bach’s son, C.P.E. Bach. The current day title, Mass in B minor, emerged later.  

  • The Mass in B minor is a vast and complex work, with 26 individual sections exemplifying diverse musical styles, oftentimes borrowing from and recasting earlier works of Bach.