Open Rehearsal
Labadie Conducts Bach’s Easter Oratorio
April 09, 2026
Overview
Canadian maestro Bernard Labadie, one of the leading interpreters of the Baroque and Classical repertoire, conducts the first-ever SF Symphony performances of Bach’s Easter Oratorio, a spectacular celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Bach was a devout Lutheran, but he wrote music for real human beings, not musical sermons for potential saints. Who wouldn’t feel the grief of a mother who has lost her son, the sorrow of his devoted disciples, or the anguish of one who found redemption in his love? And who wouldn’t share in their exultation when he returns? Bach’s vivid Magnificat depicts Mary’s response to the news that she will bear the son of God. Although the score calls for large forces by Bach’s standards, the magnificence of the Magnificat never supplants the mystery.Concert Extras
A preconcert talk will be presented from the stage one hour before the concert. Free to all ticketholders.
Artists
Bernard Labadie
Conductor
Joélle Harvey
Soprano
Hugh Cutting
Countertenor
Andrew Haji
Tenor
Joshua Hopkins
Baritone
San Francisco Symphony Chorus
Director, San Francisco Symphony Chorus
San Francisco Symphony
Program
Johann Sebastian
Bach
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249
First SF Symphony Performances
Johann Sebastian
Bach
Sinfonia to Wir danken dir, Gott, BWV 29
Johann Sebastian
Bach
Magnificat in D major, BWV 243
Sponsors
Lead support for the San Francisco Symphony Chorus this season is provided through a visionary gift from an anonymous donor.
Open rehearsals are endowed by a bequest from The Estate of Katharine Hanrahan.
Open rehearsals are endowed by a bequest from The Estate of Katharine Hanrahan.

Joélle Harvey, soprano

Joshua Hopkins, baritone

Jenny Wong, SF Symphony Chorus Director
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