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 recently recorded several cantatas with the group as a guest organ soloist. On the occasion of its first-ever Bach Weekend celebration, Cantata Collective is honored and delighted to welcome back Maestro McGegan as the first person to collaborate with the group as conductor and leader. The ensemble plans to make the Bach Weekend a festive annual event featuring choral works, instrumental performances and scholarly presentations.