Voices of Easter: Heaven's Jubilant Fire!

Voices of Easter: Heaven's Jubilant Fire! is a Director’s Series concert by the Washington Bach Consort that traces the arc of Eastertide through four of Johann Sebastian Bach’s cantatas. The program moves from Easter Day’s resplendent “Der Himmel lacht!” (BWV 31), with its five‑part chorus, trumpets, and timpani, through the hopeful‑yet‑uncertain dialogue of Easter Monday’s “Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen” (BWV 66), to Quasimodogeniti’s intimate “Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats” (BWV 42), whose rare instrumental sinfonia and Christ‑word of peace sit alongside lingering unease. The season closes with Pentecost’s “O ewiges Feuer” (BWV 34), blending an alto aria with jubilant choruses and the benediction “Friede über Israel.” The performance features soprano Paulina Francisco, alto Rhiannon Cockrell, tenor Matthew Hill, and bass Jonathan Woody.

When: Sunday, May 2, 2027 at 4:00 pm

Venue: National Presbyterian Church

Program: Johann Sebastian Bach’s BWV 31 (Der Himmel lacht! Die Erde jubilieret), BWV 66 (Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen), BWV 42 (Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats), and BWV 34 (O ewiges Feuer)

Lineup: Paulina Francisco (soprano), Rhiannon Cockrell (alto), Matthew Hill (tenor), Jonathan Woody (bass)

Tickets: Ticket pricing is not specified; subscriptions to the Washington Bach Consort’s 2026–27 season are on sale, offering discounted rates and fee waivers (call 202.429.2121 or visit the Consort’s website for single‑ticket availability)

Run time: Not provided

Ages: Not specified

Note: This concert is part of the Washington Bach Consort’s Director’s Series. Underwriter Sally Wells is acknowledged.