Letter from Artistic Director, Ryan Turner

Welcome to Emmanuel Music's 2012-2013 season - our forty-first since the idea of Emmanuel Music first germinated in 1971. 

Emmanuel Music has grown over the years, branching out and taking new directions while remaining deeply rooted in the music of Bach. We have also been nourished by the lifelong friendship of our Principal Guest Conductor, John Harbison, who will be honored as our Season Composer this year.

The sublime Bach Cantatas play an integral part in the Sunday liturgy as they have from the beginning. The Beethoven Chamber Series begins its third year with gems of the composer’s "Middle Period," including his Ghost Trio and the String Quintet.  Each Chamber Series concert will also showcase one of John’s kaleidoscopic body of chamber works: from the String Quartet #5 to Vocalism, and the witty, infectious Gatsby Songs.

In December we will present Bach’s jubilant Christmas Oratorio.  The final concert- and our great undertaking of the season- will be the Boston premiere of John’s grand opera The Great Gatsby. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to re-visit this quintessential American novel in its setting by America’s finest composer, and to bring it to our community for the first time.

Leading Emmanuel Music continues to be an inspiring- and humbling- privilege for me.  I look forward to exploring this season’s glorious music with my colleagues, and I look forward to seeing you, our very active listeners and supporters, in the audience.

- Ryan Turner (2012)