AN ambitious and unusual music project has raised thousands of pounds for one of Glasgow’s oldest charities.
The Bach Cantatas group is planning a whopping 80 concerts at venues all over the city in support of Glasgow City Mission, which helps disadvantaged children and vulnerable adults through a range of services.
“Glasgow City Mission does a fantastic range of work – it is like a beacon in the middle of the city,” says Geraldine Mynors, founder of the project and choir secretary.
“And their chaplain, the Reverend Marion Carson, is one of the altos in the choir. So that is a lovely connection.”
The group is planning its 18th concert on April 27 at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Newlands on the Southside of Glasgow.
The project comprises around 100 professional and amateur musicians and singers, from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students to players from the Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Geraldine took part in a similar project in London and was keen to replicate it in Glasgow. “Bach’s music is unique, I think he is a genius,” she says.
“His music is like the perfect puzzle needing to be solved. As an organist in Leipzig he was producing something like a cantata per week.”
She adds, smiling: “That’s all the more impressive when you remember this was before musical software programmes like Sibelius – and printers.”
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Geraldine, who is a psychotherapist, has loved singing her whole life. She moved to the city in 2013, and joined a number of choirs, including Glasgow Chamber Choir.
“I just fell in love with Glasgow,” says Geraldine, who lives in Finnieston.
“We think we will need about 80 concerts to completely perform all 220 works. I think we will only be the second amateur group ever to attempt it.
"Our last one was in Glasgow Cathedral, which was very special."
She adds: “A cantata is like a sacred little opera – the shortest is about 10 minutes long, the longest around half an hour. They are all little gems.
“It’s fantastic that our project is now really coming to fruition and making musical connections across the city, as well as (we hope) inspiring a new generation of Bach lovers.”
Jack Geddes, of Glasgow City Mission, said: “The Bach Cantatas have not just been wonderful musical events with fabulous musicians and singers but they have to date raised £7000 for those affected by homelessness, poverty and addiction in Glasgow.”
He added: “The guests that come daily to Glasgow City Mission are directly benefitting from the funds raised through the Bach Cantata concerts, and we at the Mission are extremely grateful.”
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