If you’re into music that gives you goosebumps (in a good way), or you’re just looking for something different to do this weekend, Halifax Chamber Choir’s upcoming concert might be your thing. It’s not every Saturday you get to hear pieces from the 1600s and 1700s performed live in a stunning old church. But that’s exactly what’s happening this Saturday, 29 March, at St Jude’s Church on Free School Lane.
A night of Baroque brilliance
Let’s be honest—Baroque music might not be your usual playlist, but there’s something totally gripping about it. It’s full of drama, emotion, and insanely clever harmonies that make you stop and listen. The Halifax Chamber Choir are putting the spotlight on this rich period of music with a concert packed full of motets (fancy word for sacred choral pieces).
And yes, it’s called Best of Baroque for a reason.
Bach’s biggest motet – and the story behind it
At the heart of the evening is J.S. Bach’s “Jesu, meine Freude”. Don’t worry if your German’s a bit rusty—the title means “Jesus, my joy”. It’s not just a beautiful piece; it’s big. Bach didn’t mess about here. It’s actually the longest and most complicated motet he ever wrote.
Here’s the human side of it: this piece was probably composed for a funeral. Not just any funeral, either—it was for Frau Kees, wife of the Leipzig postmaster. That service happened on 18 July 1723, so yeah, the music’s been around a while. But somehow, when it’s sung live by a great choir, it still feels alive. Raw, even.
Who else is on the programme?
It’s not just Bach getting the spotlight. The choir’s also performing music by Antonio Vivaldi, the Italian guy best known for “The Four Seasons”. But Vivaldi also wrote sacred music that’s just as thrilling—sometimes even more dramatic than his violin stuff.
Then there’s Tomás Luis de Victoria, a Spanish composer who straddled the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Think candlelit cathedrals, echoing voices, and music that seems to hang in the air.
So, you’re basically getting a musical tour of Germany, Italy, and Spain in one evening. No passport required.
Where, when, and how much?
Here’s the nitty gritty if you’re thinking of going:
- Date: Saturday 29 March 2025
- Time: 7:30pm
- Location: St Jude’s Church, Free School Lane, Halifax
- Price: £12 on the door
Or grab 2 tickets for £20 in advance via www.halifaxchamberchoir.co.uk
The church is a great setting for this kind of music—natural acoustics, warm lighting, and that echo you only get in old buildings.
Why it’s worth it—even if Baroque isn’t your usual vibe
You don’t need to be a music buff to enjoy this kind of concert. If you’ve ever had a moment where a song just hit you out of nowhere—made you pause, or even tear up—then you already get it. Baroque music was literally written to stir emotions. It’s intense, spiritual, and sometimes just plain dramatic (in the best way).
And hearing it live, with real voices filling the space around you, is way more powerful than a Spotify playlist.
Plus, it’s local, it’s live, and it supports Halifax’s thriving arts scene. So even if you just come out of curiosity, there’s a good chance you’ll walk away with something unexpected—like a new favourite piece from 300 years ago.
Fancy something a bit different this Saturday? Bring a mate, treat someone to a ticket, or just rock up solo. Either way, it’s set to be a standout night for music lovers—and anyone who likes a good story told through sound.
