Friday, January 25, 2013

Confirmed Concert Venue: Thomaskirche, Leipzig

The St. Thomas Church, located near the center of the German city of Leipzig, has become famous because it is the final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach. The German composer, organist, violist and violinist lived from 1685 to 1750, during the Baroque period.

While the foundations of the church date back to 1160, the altar sanctuary was rebuilt in 1355, changing it from a Romanesque to a Gothic style. The Romanesque nave was torn down in 1482 and replaced with a late-Gothic church hall, which still exists today. The steeple was completed much later, in 1702. With the exception of the steeple, the architectural style of the St. Thomas Church has not chaged since the end of the 15th Century. 
 
For the past 800 years, the Thomaskirche has also been the home of the St. Thomas Boys Choir. The most famous St. Thomas Cantor was Johann Sebastian Bach himself.

The year 2000 marked the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Bach's death. It was at this time that the church received the new Bach Organ. 

Choirs visit the St. Thomas Church from around the world, because for many it is a special experience to sing in front of Bach's grave. On Sunday, March 3, 2013, the Bellarmine University Schola Cantorum has been granted permission to give a 20 Minute a capella recital from the steps of the altar room and in front of Bach's tomb.

 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The latest News from Vienna, brought to You by Incantato

 Continue reading to find out more of what is currently happening in Vienna:

2012
The 150the anniversary of the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt was a major success. Mullions of guests visited the various exhibitions of the founder of Vienna's Art Nouveaux and made it the most successful year it the history of the Viennese tourism board.

2013
2013 is the year of the art of enjoyment. 
Vienna is known around the world as a metropolis of art and culture. In light of this reputation, a total of three new cultural institutions will be contributing to the city's cultural attractions:
The Chamber of Art and Wonders in the Kunsthistorisches Museum is now shining with a new splendor.
The new concert hall of the Vienna Boys' Choir in the Augarten now invites visitors to regular performances.
The Stadtpalais Liechtenstein is now offering art of the Biedermeier and Classicism periods. 

A new and exclusive event series for visitors and Vienna residents are The Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations. They facilitate eventful trips to Vienna by connecting you with local residents one by one in English. They are reviving the history of Vienna coffeehouses and their particular culture, which is protected by UNESCO.

The Goldenes Quartier is located near the Old Town, in the heart of Vienna. It was names a UNESCO World Heritage site and is regarded as Vienna's top address in one of the oldest parts of the town. The famous streets Kohlmarkt Graben and Kaertner Strasse extend via the pedestrian zone to the Judenplatz and the Hof. It is here that you will find shops such as Louis Vitton and Prada, as well as Miu Miu, Armani and other brands opening stores in 2013.