Houston Bach Society: Oktoberfest Vespers

The Houston Bach Society is performing at Christ the King Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 17, at 3 PM. It's an Oktoberfest vespers, and the program is Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal, BWV 146, performed in its original liturgical setting. The Houston Bach Society is led by Artistic Director Rick Erickson, who's in his final year with the group; he's succeeded by Ben Kerswell, who took over the role in July 2026. The Society performs Bach's cantatas and oratorios with the Bach Choir and Bach Orchestra, using period instruments and historically informed musicianship.

Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal is presented as a vespers service, the same liturgical context for which it was originally written. The music traces a journey from tribulation to joy, and the program includes an organ solo drawn from one of Bach's fieriest concertos. The Bach Choir and Bach Orchestra provide the voices and period instruments that bring the work to life.

Once the music is over, the afternoon shifts from the sanctuary to the courtyard for the Oktoberfest part of the day: bratwurst, beer, and song. It's a good way to transition from the service into a social afternoon with the other people there.

Tickets are $35 general and $10 for students. The performance is at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd., Houston, TX 77005, starting at 3 PM on Saturday, October 17.