Choir members at the Bigfork Community United Methodist Church will perform an Easter cantata on April 12.  

The concert tells the story of Easter through song, according to Church Music Director Jordan Neiman. A brief introduction before each song guides the audience through the narrative, which begins with Palm Sunday, journeys through the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, and concludes with Resurrection Sunday. 

A cantata is a classical choir performance. It originated in Italy, and the name cantata is derived from the Italian word “cantare” which means “to sing.” Unlike their counterpart sonatas, which are compositions designed for instruments, cantatas are intended to be sung. Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Sebestian Bach both composed a number of cantatas. Most are secular, but sacred cantatas were also developed for church services.  

This is the fourth year the Methodist church will host an Easter cantata, in addition to its Christmas cantata. The music changes from year to year, so community members are treated to a new performance even if they attended last year.  

The Methodist church is known for its musical affinity, according to Neiman, and has attracted choir members from outside the church. Currently there are 26 choir members who rehearse once a week for the two months leading up to the performance. 

“We're one of the few churches around that actually has a regular church choir,” Neiman said. “We sing every Sunday, and I think that's why a lot of community members join to sing during the cantata.  It's because maybe their church doesn't have a choir, but people like to sing, and so it's an opportunity for people to get together and sing” 

The concert attracts an overflow crowd each year, according to Neiman, and they’ve considered adding a second performance to accommodate the high level of community interest.  

This year’s Easter cantata has presented new challenges. The choir is flying solo after former director Erik Heuchert moved away. Despite their new status as a “conductor-less choir,” Neiman said the choir members have risen to the occasion.  

“It takes a little extra musicianship from the choir members,” he said. “I think in some ways, it makes it more challenging, but then also kind of more fun in a way.” 

While the cantata has continued without a conductor this year, Neiman said they’re still very interested in finding a new choir director to fill the role.  

For more information about the Bigfork Community United Methodist Church, visit bigforkumc.org.

Reporter Elsa Ericksen can be reached at 406-758-4459 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.