Bach Choir of Pittsburgh Pairs Johann Sebastian Bach with Charlie Chaplin in Never Silenced February 14–15 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, East Liberty

Following its sold-out November performances of I Was Born for This, the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh continues its Cirque du Cinéma season with Never Silenced, an inventive program that explores the remarkable artistic parallels between Johann Sebastian Bach and silent film icon Charlie Chaplin.

Performances will be held Saturday, February 14 at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 15 at 4:00pm at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 250 N. Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

The concert features Bach’s choral works including Jesu, Meine Freude, Omnes Generationes from the Magnificat, selections from the St. John Passion, and the Weihnachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio). These works are paired with carefully selected Chaplin film clips that highlight his iconic silent-era style, including Caught in a Cabaret, A Night in the Show, and The Tramp — all showcasing Chaplin’s evolution from playful physical comedian to deeply human storyteller.

Together, music and film create a dialogue between motion and sound, revealing how timing and rhythm shape meaning across art forms.

“In this concert, we’re exploring the natural conversation between two artistic geniuses,” says Thomas W. Douglas, Artistic Director and Conductor. “Bach and Chaplin both understood that rhythm is more than a pattern—it’s a language. Chaplin’s films were driven by the rhythm of his timing, and Bach’s music is built on the architecture of rhythm. When you place those two together, something surprising and beautiful happens.”

Never Silenced

Saturday, February 14 at 7:30pm

Sunday, February 15 at 4:00pm

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

250 N. Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 1520

For tickets and more information, visit bachchoirpittsburgh.org.

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