J. S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Carlos Simon’s Good News Mass

Music is so special and powerful. Music is life itself. It echoes and we experience emotions through notes.

I have been experiencing wonderful feelings in this Holy Week, attending 2 magnificent and glorious performances. First, I attended J. S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, a part of Bach Festival, performed by Musica Angelica (period instruments) and extraordinary singers. Going through a passion story with Bach’s music is so solemn, especially in an incredible building.

And last night I attended LA Phil’s excellent concert, including Carlos Simon’s new work, “Good News Mass”. The performance was so moving and gave me tears. A great team of a composer, librettists, visual artists, singers, choir, production staff and so many more worked together to create this incredible music. I am very sure this piece will be played again and again.

This afternoon, 3rd@1st concert series will present 3 Bach Unaccompanied Suites “Observance Through Music” concert. The venue is First United Methodist Church of Pasadena and the concert is at 4pm in the beautiful chapel. And it is free! This concert will be so perfect to spend a day before Easter.