From an early stage, the Mass was regarded as an extraordinary masterpiece: whilst many of Bach’s vocal works fell into oblivion after his death, the Mass in B minor continued to be performed and was studied intensively by musicians such as Mendelssohn, Schumann and Brahms. Today, it ranks among the most significant and most frequently performed works of church music.

The RIAS Chamber Choir Berlin, too, has a long tradition of performing the Mass. Principal conductor Justin Doyle will be conducting at this year’s season opener.