May 2-3, 2026

FAR BEYOND THE SKIES
Telemann, Bach, and the Gospel Tradition

The bringing together of two venerable traditions–on the one hand, two extraordinary works from the German Lutheran tradition which meditate on the release of death and the joys that await, and on the other hand, music of comfort from the African American Spiritual tradition and where and how these two worlds intersect. Juxtaposed with the fuller forces of the Bach and Telemann, the incomparable countertenor d’amore Reginald Mobley will perform favorites from the spiritual canon on themes of peace and comfort.

G.P. Telemann  
Du aber Daniel gehe hin TVWV 4:17  

J.S. Bach  
Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit ‘Actus Tragicus’
BWV 106  

Including music from the spiritual tradition.

SOLOISTS
Margaret Carpenter Haigh, soprano  
Reginald Mobley, countertenor  
Gene Stenger, tenor  
David Tinervia, bass

DATES & VENUES

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Sunday, May 3, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
All Souls’ Episcopal Church
1475 Catalina Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107

EVENT DURATION
1 hour 35 minutes with intermission

TICKETS

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS CONCERT

  • Both cantatas are likely to have been written for funerals around 1707-8, though the specific identity of the deceased is unknown.  

  • A unique “quiet” instrumentation is featured in both cantatas which highlights violas da gamba, recorders, and omits the customary instruments of the violin family. This instrumentation was often linked to funeral cantatas.  

  • Rooted in the deep traditions of gospel music, Black funerals transform grief into joy, mourning into praise. Death is seen not just as the end of suffering, hardship, or injustice, but as a victory, a return to a promise fulfilled.