Bach Collegium Japan Handel "Messiah"

December 19, 2021 (Sun) / 3:00pm

Saitama Arts Theater / Concert Hall

Masaaki Suzuki(Conductor)
Rachel Nicholls(Soprano)
Ayako Yukawa(Alto)
Satoshi Nishimura(Tenor)
Benjamin Bevan(Bass)

Handel: Oratorio《Messiah》 HWV 56

Saitama Arts Foundation

Subsidy for the Promotion of Culture and the Arts, Agency for Cultural Affairs(Project to strengthen the functions of theaters and music halls)
Japan Arts Council

Masaaki Suzuki (Conductor)
Since founding the Bach Collegium Japan (BCJ) in 1990, has earned a reputation as a leading Bach performer. He has led the group to many appearances at major halls and music festivals in Europe and the States, receiving high acclaim. In recent years, been actively performing with modern orchestras, presenting a diverse repertoire. In October 2020, performed for the first time with the NHK Symphony Orchestra receiving high acclaim. In 2001, received the Order of Merit with Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2011. In 2012, received the Bach Medal from the City of Leipzig and the Bach Prize from the Royal Academy of Music in London. In 2013, received the 45th Suntory Music Award together with Bach Collegium Japan. Has been an artist-in-residence at Yale University, a visiting professor at the Yong Siu Toh Conservatory of Music at Singapore University, a visiting professor at Kobe Shoin Women’s University, an honorary professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, and an honorary doctoral student at the Netherlands Reformed Theological Seminary.

Bach Collegium Japan (Chorus & Orchestra)
An orchestra and choir formed by Masaaki Suzuki with specialists in original instruments who are active at the front lines of the world. With a focus on Bach’s religious works, and in recent years aiming for ideal performances of works by Mendelssohn and others, has been actively performing not only in Japan but also at the Leipzig Bach Festival, BBC Proms, Carnegie Hall, Concertgebouw, and other venues. In February 2013, the「Bach: Complete Church Cantatas」series, which has been working on in chronological order since 1995, was completed and recorded in its entirety. In 2014, was awarded the “European Grammy Award” in the category of Editorial Achievement of the Year. In 2013, received the 45th Suntory Music Award together with Masaaki Suzuki. In July 2017, the complete performance and recording of the「Bach: Secular Cantata Series」was completed. Awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for『Mozart: Mass in C minor』(2017) and『J. S. Bach: Matthew Passion』(new recording, 2020).

Rachel Nicholls (Soprano)
Born in England. Graduated from the Royal College of Music in England. Made her debut at the Royal Opera House in《Parsifal》conducted by Simon Rattle. Has been invited by Scottish Opera and English National Opera to perform a wide variety of works from baroque to new pieces. Has been performing with the Bach Collegium Japan (BCJ) since 2005. She is a dramatic soprano who has garnered international attention for her wide range of repertoire, from Baroque to Wagner. Has been chosen as one of the “Most Influential People in London” by the British Evening Standard in 2016. In 2009, performed the role as Nerone in《The Coronation of Poppea》at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, and as Armida in《Rinaldo》(at the Edinburgh Festival and in Tokyo). In 2017, received a great reviews for the performances of《The Coronation of Poppea》, conducted by Masato Suzuki.

Ayako Yukawa (Alto)
Completed the doctoral course at Kunitachi College of Music. D. in Fauré song studies. Moved to France in 2015. Completed her studies at the Vocal Department and Baroque Opera Department of the Paris Regional Conservatory. Recipient of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Overseas Study Program for Artists. Has won prizes at the Franco-Japanese Vocal Music Competition, the Japan Music Competition, the Toulouse International French Song Competition, and the Macon International Vocal Music Competition. Repertoire ranges from ancient to contemporary music. Has been involved in many concerts and recordings as a soloist and vocal member of ensembles such as Les Épopées, Le Concert Spirituel, Le Balcon, etc. Also has been a soloist on French national radio and at major music festivals in France and abroad. Studied under Rie Akiyama, Fusako Kondo, V. Guillory, I. Prunard, and S. Fugier.

Satoshi Nishimura (Tenor)
Graduated from Nihon University College of Art and Design and Tokyo University of the Arts. Won the second prize at the Riccardo Zandonai International Vocal Competition and the first prize at the Japan Music Competition. Has performed Mendelssohn’s「Hymn」with Kazuki Yamada and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande,「The Ninth」with Yutaka Sado and the Cologne Symphony Orchestra, Verdi’s「Requiem」with Kenichiro Kobayashi and the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra, and the eighth piece in Kazuki Yamada’s Mahler series. In 2016, made his European debut with the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kazushi Ohno. In 2020, made his first appearance with the BCJ in J. S. Bach’s《Mass in B minor》conducted by Masaaki Suzuki, and also in Mendelssohn’s《Elias》. Has appeared in operas such as《La Traviata》,《Madama Butterfly》,《The Rhinegold》, and《The Magic Flute》. Awarded the Gotoh Memorial Culture Prize for Newcomers to Opera. Received the Idemitsu Music Award. Member of the Fujiwara Opera Company.

Benjamin Bevan
Studied at the Guildhall School of Music in London and made his international operatic debut in Lausanne Opera’s production of《Cenerentola》. His British debut was as Marcello in Scottish Opera’s《La Boheme》. In 2015, appeared in the Royal Opera House’s production of《The Magic Flute》, and has been active in major European opera houses, while his recent activities in the field of old music, including Bach, have been remarkable. In 2018, made his debut at the English National Opera, where he played Britten’s《Curlew River》at the Royal Danish Opera and Opera Dijon. And played as Pontius Pilate in a new production of J. S. Bach’s《John Passion》at the Reis Opera in the Netherlands. CD recordings include Beethoven’s《Missa Solemnis》with Masaaki Suzuki and BCJ, and operas by Gerald Barry conducted by Thomas Adès at the Barbican Hall.