If the richness and ornate detail of the 17th and 18th centuries speak to you, if Bach and Vivaldi make your heart flutter and sooth your soul, Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “The Royal Court of Brandenburg” demands your presence for an exquisite evening of beloved masterpieces by Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. Thursday, Nov. 15, the symphony will fill St. John’s Episcopal Church with the regal works of the masters.

The concert by FSO musicians will feature some of the Baroque era’s most well-loved pieces. In 1721, Bach presented the royal court with six Brandenburg Concertos. “We have performed other movements of Brandenburg,” said FSO President and CEO Christine Kastner. “It has been about three years (since that performance). There are six pieces. We did (Concertos)2 and 5 last time, and the churchwas full. We will do (Concertos) 3 and 4 this time.”

In “Concerto No. 4,” the concertino consists of a violin and two flutes, which are accompanied by a string quintet and harpsichord.

“Concerto No. 3” has nine solo strings – three violins, three violas and three celli – with bass and harpsichord accompaniment.

Bach’s concertos are still cherished around the world today. “It is interesting,” said Kastner. “We always get a few military people who come. And they say they were stationed in Germany and saw it there and wanted to see it here, too.”

Also included in the concert will be portions from Bach’s “Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor” as well as the bright and lively “Concerto for Two Trumpets” by Antonio Vivaldi.

Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Two Trumpets” features solos with orchestral accompaniment, unlike Bach’s pieces, which showcase the ensembles as a whole. Vivaldi’s piece shares the same three-movement construction as the Brandenburg examples, though. According to the program notes, “The slow inner movement is given short shrift in favor of the flashy outer movements, which provide ample opportunities for the trumpet soloists to showcase their skills.”

Kastner pointed out that the concerts at St. John’s are special. “Because it is smaller, there will be a lot of interaction,” she said. “St. John’s only seats about 300 people, so you have a much better view of musicians. It is a much more intimate environment.”

Another unique aspect of this concert is that FSO’s music director, Stefan Sanders, will be there. Kastner noted that in the past, the concerts at St. John’s were usually run by the musicians performing. “Stefan will be speaking about the music as well,” Kastner said.

The symphony’s mission to educate, entertain and inspire demands outreach to the community as well as affordability. Tickets for this event cost between $10 and $27. “Tickets to our events don’t cost more than $30,” said Kastner.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org or call910-433-4690 for tickets and information. The website also provides a link to the program notes under the Season Concerts tab.