Amare Cantare Presents Three Spring Concerts March 28, 30 and April 2: Program of musical gems from Baroque period includes Bach’s Jesu Meine Freude

DURHAM, NH: The Seacoast’s vocal chamber chorus, Amare Cantare, will perform its spring concerts on Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Exeter, NH; Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 p.m. in Durham, NH; and on Wednesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Portsmouth, NH.

The spring program features musical gems from the Baroque period, the centerpiece of which is Johann Sebastian Bach’s longest motet, Jesu Meine Freude, performed with instrumental accompaniment. A compact eleven-movement composition, the piece exhibits Bach’s genius for creating brilliant structures that support textual meaning and pure aesthetic beauty.

The concert also includes several vocal duets from Symphonie Sacrae II by Heinrich Schütz accompanied by two violins and continuo, a set of madrigals and part songs; and a special performance of La Primavera (Spring) from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi performed by the guest instrumentalists.

Since 1977, Amare Cantare’s auditioned members from across the Seacoast have performed masterworks and choral music from six centuries. They have also produced several digital albums of their performances. Since 2001, the choir has been under the direction of Catherine “Kitty” Beller-McKenna who is known for her innovative programming, her wide-ranging musical interests embracing a variety of styles and cultures.

Amare Cantare’s spring concerts will be the final performances under the direction of Beller-McKenna, who will be retiring at the end of June.

“Kitty’s musicianship and deep knowledge of choral music have made Amare Cantare one of the premier ensembles in the region and the state,” said tenor singer Mike Herlihy.

Bass Jed Holdeman added, “She crafts concert programs that engage audience and singer alike, often blending the familiar with the innovative, and in doing so, has fostered a deep sense of community and broadened our artistic horizons.”

The spring concerts will be held on March 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church, 43 Pine Street, in Exeter; on March 30 at 3:00 p.m. at Oyster River Middle School, 1 Coe Drive in Durham; and on April 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Middle Street Baptist Church, 18 Court Street in Portsmouth.

All tickets are $18 and may be purchased at www.amarecantare.org. Tickets will also be available at the door.

More information about Amare Cantare and the upcoming concerts can be found at www.amarecantare.org.