Renowned for his fine musicianship, David Hill is a widely respected choral and orchestral conductor, and Musical Director of The Bach Choir. This month he is coming to direct Bath Bach Choir’s annual Choral Workshop here in Bath – a fabulous day of studying Bach Cantatas, further enhanced by visiting soloists, and open to all. Ahead of his visit, he answers some musical and Bath‐related questions.
Q. What’s special for you about the Cantata Cycle?
To this day, Bach’s artistic vision to create a cantata for every liturgical occasion is a monumental gift to humanity, and Cantata 75 is one of the opening works in this gargantuan task. The cantatas are a major part of the treasure chest of music he wrote for worship: imagine going to church and hearing his genius week by week? Nothing and no-one has surpassed this feat. I am ashamed to say I have never performed Cantata 75 and I am looking forward to working on it over the New Year in preparation for the workshop.
Q. Why do you like making music in Bath?
Anyone who lives in or close to Bath will realise how fortunate they are to reside in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I am constantly fascinated by the beauty of its architecture, its history and its strong culture of making music. People in the south west are incredibly friendly and there are great places for refreshment including many fine pubs! It is a favourite place for me and always will be.
Q. What is your connection with the Bath Bach Choir and the city?
Ever since I gave an organ recital in Bath Abbey around 50 years ago – yikes! – it is a place I have been lucky to visit from time to time. I am honoured to be associated with the Bath Bach Choir as its President: another fine fine group of singers acknowledging the iconic figure of J S Bach.
Q. What do you get out of running workshops of just a few hours with a group of singers who you haven’t worked with before?
It is always a joy to see the commitment and enthusiasm people have for joining together in workshops. Choral conductor David Willcocks once told me that the greatest thrill is knowing that it will sound considerably better at the end than when it started! I really enjoy the training aspect, alongside the educational points along the way. During weekly concert rehearsals there isn’t usually time to develop all the strands of interest, so a fun day together really changes the dynamic.
Q. What do you want to leave the singers with at the end of the day?
The feeling that they have had fun, and have felt the day to be productive, educational and exhausting! Coming together and singing great music is food in itself and something we can all share.
Q. Are you hopeful for the future of choral music (especially in a city like Bath with its many choirs of all shapes and sizes)?
I am hopeful. The issues facing music in schools need urgently addressing. Singing and playing instruments should not be ignored by head teachers who aren’t interested or don’t see the importance of music as an education for life. Where it works it is superb; those who don’t see this need to be turned around. There are still more people singing in the UK on a weekly basis than are attending football matches! Covid had a very damaging effect on so many things, including singing, but we are climbing out of that and the sun is shining in the distance. In Bath, I am aware of the many choirs and choices which exist for singers. I think strong leadership and innovative programming are essential for choirs to thrive in a very competitive environment. Education is key to being understood and respected as an arts organisation alongside understanding what diversity means in the community in which you live. We need to reach out to those who have not felt able to join choirs but who would like to. It’s a difficult task, but one we must all undertake.
Q. How do you see choral music linking to younger generations?
If youngsters have had a connection with music – and this is why my earlier point about schools is so important – they will connect to the world of arts in all its richness. The London Bach Choir now has 140 singers below forty and a large number in their twenties. This is progress, alongside seeing an increasingly younger audience attend our annual St Matthew Passion at the Royal Festival Hall. All arts organisations need to become savvy about connecting to the younger generation, especially through social media.
Q. How might it be possible to encourage new audiences?
Through communicating more directly to those we want to attract; it is all in the marketing and programming. I firmly believe the audiences are there; we have to reach out to them – it won’t happen in the opposite direction.
Bath Bach Choir Choral Workshop with David Hill, 25 January, 9.30am–4pm, St Swithin’s Church, The Paragon, Bath.
Tickets: £22, £10 for musicians under 30.
bathbachchoir.org.uk
