Bach Festival Society Winter Park Florida
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) has left a legacy of music revered to this day.
An exceptionally gifted musician, Bach was the most eminent composer of the Baroque era.
With an astounding number of masses, passions, cantatas, orchestral and chamber music scores and more, Bach is considered the inventor of the counterpoint style.
He has influenced the music of contemporaries such as Beethoven, Mozart, Handel and more.
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park recently celebrated its 80th Anniversary and the celebratory feelings continue into this season's concerts.
Annual Festival
Bach still lives through his music and nowhere is that music embraced more faithfully than at the annual Bach Festival Society of Winter Park.
The society Orlando has two distinctions.
First, it's the oldest performing arts group in Central Florida and second, it's the third oldest ongoing Bach festival in the United States.
A tradition since 1935, this festival began as a way to celebrate the 250th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach.
The backbone of the Society is the all-volunteer choir and orchestra.
Coming from all walks of life and educational backgrounds, these 150 members dedicate their time to making Central Florida the world-class venue it is.
Festival runs from October through April.
History
The first president of the group was Mrs. Isabelle Sprague-Smith, a former New York artist.
She led the organization until her death in 1950.
Next in charge was John M. Tiedtke, who served until his death in 2004.
The current president is Eric Ravndal III.
Packages
There are a number of “packages” are available for the public during the Festival.
The Bach Society's annual event includes Choral Masterworks and Visiting Artists performances and an outreach program intended to include participation at all levels.
If you an interest in a package you'd be happy to hear that they start out as low as $60 for a multi event pass.
Single tickets go on sale August 1.
The Bach Society's annual event includes Choral Masterworks and Visiting Artists performances and an outreach program intended to include participation on all levels.
This inclusion has brought many guest artists to the area.
Artistic Director and Conductor of the annual event is Dr. John V. Sinclair, who has held the position since 1990.
Under his leadership the Bach Festival Choir tours extensively throughout Europe and has appeared at as the Vatican, the Smetana Hall in Prague, and the Royal Albert Hall in London, as well as in many other locations.
In addition to his duties with the Back Society Dr. Sinclair is the Director of Music for Rollins College and conducts the Walt Disney World Candlelight Processional at EPCOT.
You can find out more about the upcoming Annual Bach Festival, Choral Masterworks and Visiting Artists Series here.
There is no wrong choice and if you are in doubt you can opt for one of the subscription packages that will allow you the opportunity to sample from a number of Festival events.
The Bach Festival Society has provided an exceptional range of classical music, which will continue for years to come.
This is one of the best ways to enjoy the arts while you are in Central Florida on holiday!
Website
Rollins College
1000 Holt Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 646-2182
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