35th Annual Bach Week Festival Offers Back-to-Back Bach May 9, 2008

For its 35th anniversary season, the Bach Week Festival in Evanston is returning to its roots going Bach to the future with every concert devoted exclusively to the music of its namesake, Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).

Festival concerts will be presented at the Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., in downtown Evanston.

The festival will showcase the range of Bachs genius from intimate pieces for solo instruments to grand works for chorus, soloists, and orchestra, said Richard Webster, the festivals music director. Webster played harpsichord at the inaugural festival in 1974 and has been music director since 1975.

Performers are the Bach Week Festival Orchestra, many of whom are members of the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera of Chicago orchestras; the Bach Week Festival Chorus; and distinguished instrumental and vocal soloists.

The 2008 festival comprises four concerts of back-to-back Bach to be held over three days, including an atmospheric candlelight concert of solo harpsichord music.

The Bach Week Festival offers a unique opportunity to hear the music of this amazing composer, performed by some of the Midwests premiere musicians in a friendly, intimate, and casual atmosphere, Webster says.

The festival concludes May 9, 10:15 p.m. with a Candlelight Concert. Harpsichordist David Schrader plays excerpts from Bachs "Das Wohltemperierte Klavier" (The Well-tempered Clavier). A Bach Week musician since the 1980s, Schrader is known for his numerous recordings on harpsichord and organ for Chicagos Cedille Records, his work with the Rembrandt Chamber Players, and his appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. A complimentary champagne reception follows Schraders performance.

Cost-saving subscriptions to the entire four-concert series are $100 for regular adult admission, $85 for seniors 65 and older, and $75 for students with identification. Prices are the same for both main-floor and balcony seats.

For the candlelight concert, tickets are $25 for adults, $25 seniors, $25 students, and $25 children.

All seating is reserved. For tickets and ticket information, phone (800) 595-4849; order online at www.bachweek.org.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of natsilv.