Ex Cathedra 2026-27: Words apart: Bach & Sandström Motets

Two composers respond to six texts in strikingly different ways. Bach’s motets are full of expressive intensity and deep devotion – vibrant works in which voices interweave with urgency. Sven-David Sandström conjures a luminous choral sound world, charged with emotional power. Across three centuries, the same words come vividly to life as James Burton directs his first concert since his appointment as Ex Cathedra’s incoming Artistic Director. Ex Cathedra is a B:Music Associate Artist. Each half of this concert will be performed as an uninterrupted sequence, and the atmosphere will be quiet and still for extended periods. Audiences usually reserve applause for the end of each half.