Choir & period instrument orchestra

The Bach Collegium Japan (BCJ) has acquired a formidable reputation for their records of Johann Sebastian Bach's Church Cantatas on BIS since 1995.
The BCJ was founded in 1990 by Masaaki Suzuki, who assumes the post of Music Director, with the aim of introducing Japanese audience to period instrument performances of great works of the baroque period.
The BCJ comprises both baroque orchestra and choir, and its major activities include an annual three or four-concert series of Bach's cantatas and a number of instrumental programs. In addition, the BCJ performs masterpieces such as Bach's St. Matthew Passion, Handel's Messiah, Monteverdi's Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as smaller programs for soloists or small vocal ensembles. The BCJ, based in Tokyo and Kobe, performs throughout Japan, and for many of its projects it has been pleased to welcome artists from Europe and US.
The BCJ has recently extended their activity to international music scene, especcially in Europe and is expected for the frequent appearance in the year 2000, the 250th Bach's death anniversary year. Coming April 2003 BCJ will appear at the Carnegie Hall in New York in addition to the six concerts all over the United State.