The Bach Society of St. Louis to present free concert at St. Clare Church in O’Fallon

First responders, healthcare workers, teachers, essential workers, military personnel and all others who served and protected area communities during the pandemic will be celebrated in a free community concert of “Thanksgiving and Hope,” presented by The Bach Society of St. Louis at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in O’Fallon.

In special sections of the concert, those who lost their lives due to the pandemic will be remembered in song, and the chorus will share a message of hope for all.

The Most Reverend Michael G. McGovern, bishop of Belleville, Kim and Jim Sabella of Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, and St. Clare of Assisi Parish are sponsoring this free community concert as a gift to area communities. Advanced registration for the free tickets is needed due to limited seating capacity.

“I am pleased to have The Bach Society of St. Louis Chorus expressing through song our communities’ gratitude to all who have helped us through the pandemic and our consolation for those who have suffered from it,” Bishop McGovern said.

“The Sabellas, St. Clare Parish and I are delighted to have this talented chorus performing in Southern Illinois. The selection of songs and hymns couldn’t be more powerful and moving. We hope that this performance will help people express their emotions and continue to move forward as people of hope.”

Kim and Jim Sabella agreed, “We are pleased to join with Bishop McGovern and St. Clare Parish to present this concert of ‘Thanksgiving and Hope’ for our local heroes and for those suffering in our community. We mourn alongside our community for their losses. Yet we remain hopeful that those who grieve can find comfort and that all of our community can work toward healing and hope for a brighter tomorrow.”

Free reservations for this community concert are available at bachsociety.org/community21. Seating is general admission, and doors open at 2:30 p.m. The church is wheelchair accessible.

Please note: The Bach Society requires all audience members over age 12 show proof of their full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test at the door. Please see the website — bachsociety.org — for details.

The Bach Society of St. Louis was founded in 1941 to provide St. Louis the opportunity to perform and hear the great music of Johann Sebastian Bach. It is St. Louis’ oldest continuous choral society, and its repertoire highlights its commitment to performing major works of Bach and other masters. The chorus performs a wide range of music from the 17th century to commissioned works of today.

The concert skinny

• What: Community concert of “Thanksgiving and Hope” by The Bach Society of St. Louis
• Who: For everyone
• When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28; doors open at 2:30 p.m.
• Where: St. Clare Church, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon
• Cost: Free
• Tickets: Reservations at bachsociety.org/community21
• What to wear: Sunday best or business casual