Artists

Cantata Collective has been presenting free, world-class Bach Cantata performances in Berkeley since 2017. An enthusiastic community of dedicated listeners and supporters which put down roots during the inaugural season has grown steadily every year. The ensemble’s six founding instrumentalists, ‘A group of local early-music luminaries devoted to the composer’s 200-plus compositions in the genre’ (San Francisco Chronicle), all served as principals and soloists with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra during the golden era of Nicholas McGegan’s 35-year tenure at the podium. Maestro McGegan has recorded several cantatas with the group as a guest organ soloist. On the occasion of its first-ever Bach Weekend celebration in 2022, Cantata Collective was honored and delighted to welcome back Maestro McGegan as the first person to collaborate with the group as conductor and leader. The ensemble’s tradition of celebrating Bach’s birthday during a festive annual event featuring choral works, instrumental performances and scholarly presentations continued in March 2025 with the St. Matthew Passion. This release is the third in a series for AVIE which will include all the major Bach choral works. Reviewing the initial release of an ongoing series of Bach cantatas on Centaur Records, Early Music America wrote ‘So, to the excellent musicians ofthe Cantata Collective: send more Bach, please!’.