Bach Choir

views updated

Bach Choir. Formed permanently in London in 1876 following success of first 2 complete Brit. perfs. in Apr. and May 1876 of Bach's Mass in B minor by group of amateurs assembled in 1875 under the choral direction of Otto Goldschmidt, who remained cond. until 1885. His successors have been Stanford, Walford Davies, Hugh Allen, Vaughan Williams, Boult, Reginald Jacques, and David Willcocks. Gives 2 annual perfs. of St Matthew Passion; many modern works in its repertory. Choirs in several other cities and towns use the title preceded by their name, e.g. Oxford Bach Choir, Newcastle Bach Choir.