The 60-voice chorus and soloists will sing the demanding and brilliant motet Singet dem Herrn ein Neues Lied; his cantata Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, performed originally at Lutheran reformation festivals in Bach’s era; and the rarely heard, yet exquisitely beautiful Missa Brevis in G major. The concert, which marks Bach’s 318th birthday, will be held at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 22 in Tuckerman Hall, at the corner of Tuckerman and Salisbury streets in Worcester (next to the Worcester Art Museum).

“After almost 25 years since the area’s last Bach birthday choral concert, the time has arrived to revive this musical tradition in Worcester and bring great music of this supreme master of the German Baroque period before our concert audiences” says Malcolm Halliday, artistic director and conductor of the Master Singers of Worcester. “These three works demonstrate the amazing variety of Bach’s choral composition, and which is arguably the most demanding sacred music ever written.”

The distinguished soloists with the Master Singers of Worcester for this concert will be Soprano Virginia Sory Brown, Alto Paulette LaBarre, Tenor Andrew Ranson, and Bass Jonathan LaBarre. Soloists and chorus will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra and organ continuo with organist Ian Watson. This may be the first time ever that an organ will be heard in the intimate and supportive acoustic of Tuckerman Hall; it promises to be a memorable event for all lovers of Bach’s choral music.

Tickets are available at $18 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens, by phoning 508-842-1349; by visiting the MSW Website: www.mswma.org; at Tatnuck Booksellers, 335 Chandler Street, Worcester; or at the door. The concert is Co-sponsored by The Worcester Telegram and Gazette, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and the Mass. Cultural Council and Worcester Cultural Coalition.