Under the direction of guest conductor, Dr. Dale Voelker, The American Kantorei, performing ensemble of the Bach at the Sem series, concludes its 2011–2012 season with an “Easter-seasoned” concert on April 22, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the campus of Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, Clayton, Mo.

Featured are three cantatas of J. S. Bach, two specifically for the Easter season, and another, both musically and textually, in the spirit of this high festival of the Church Year: Der Himmel lacht! Die Erde jubilieret, BWV 31 (The heavens rejoice, the earth exults); Bleib’ bei uns, denn es will Abend werden, BWV 6 (Stay with us, for evening comes); and Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren, BWV 137 (Praise to the Lord, the mighty King of Glory).

Also featured in the concert are vocal and instrumental soloists from the group; American Kantorei organist, Dennis Bergin; and the audience itself, joining in the great Easter hymn, “With High Delight, Let Us Unite.”

Dr. Voelker comes to Bach at the Sem from Judson University in Elgin, Ill., where he is professor of music and director of the Judson University Choir. A choral conductor and organist much in demand in the Midwest, he is also a cofounder of the Washington Kantorei, a professional chamber choir in northern Virginia, where he conducts two concerts each season. As part of his scholarly activities he has edited a number of works for Concordia Publishing House and Morningstar Music Publishers and has assisted in preparing editions of works of Johann Schelle and G. P. Telemann for publication.

Future concerts will be determined and announced at a later date. For more information, visit the 2012 Concert Series page or contact Marla Brewer, senior administrative assistant to the dean of the chapel, at 314-505-7009 or brewerm@csl.edu.