J.S. Bach, 1685-1750, painted 1748
June 8-10, 2012
Grant Cooper, Artistic Director
Bach & Beyond is a lively celebration of Baroque music, happening in early June each year. Spirited performances of some of the greatest music ever written take place in an acoustically-ideal Victorian setting. Treat yourself to the lighthearted atmosphere that has distinguished the Festival since its beginning in 1996. Top-flight performances by Baroque specialists will leave you applauding for more! Though the musical genius of Johann Sebastian Bach is the foundation of the Festival, each year we include other great composers whose works reflect Bach's inspirational influence.
2012 Program
According to Artistic Director Grant Cooper, this year's program is coming together nicely and will feature J.S. Bach's Orchestral Suites Nos. 1, 3 and 4. (Orchestra Suite No. 3 contains the beautiful "Air" used in many, many weddings.) Each of the three festival concerts will include one of the Suites. The program also will feature Festival Concertmistress Julie Leven in Bach's Violin Concerto in a minor.
Work on compiling the program continues. Watch this site for up-to-date program information as it becomes available.
Bach & Before ... A Pre-Concert Conversation
These 30-minute talks feature Artistic Director/Conductor Grant Cooper and selected Festival musicians in a lively discussion about the concert to follow. Beginning an hour before each concert (7pm on Friday and Saturday, 3pm on Sunday), the conversations will include, for example, specific elements of the performance to listen for, information on the music's historical context, and the impressions and reflections of the performance's artists. The Conversations are an informative and engaging way to gain more insight into the music and music-makers before the performance! Admission to Bach & Before Pre-Concert Conversations is free to ticket holders. The location will be announced as the festival draws nearer.
Subscriptions are the Best Bargain!
Consider a subscription to the 2012 Bach & Beyond Festival. Three concerts over three days for only $45. Individual concert tickets are $20; so, a subscription represents a $15 savings for the three concerts. Subscription ticket holders also receive an invitation to a special reception with the musicians following the Sunday performance.
