FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra presents a week-long celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach. The Bach Festival features a series of engaging talk, social outings, amateur music making recitals and HPO performances in the community. People will get a closer look at Bach’s world as a visionary artist and one of the most revered composers of all time. The festival concludes with HPO’s mainstage concert, Glorious Bach at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place).

On Saturday, January 12 at 2pm, HPO’S Bach Festival kicks off with the Bach Community Recital at St. Paul’s Church, Dundas. Amateur musicians of all ages and levels perform movements of Bach or Bach-inspired work. The event concludes with a short performance by an HPO musician along with tea and treats. This is a free event open to the community.

On Tuesday, January 15 at 2pm, HPO heads to the Burlington Public Library for an engaging talk hosted by HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte. Abigail explores the music and cultural life of the Baroque era and how it influenced Bach’s timeless body of work in this talk and piano demonstration. This is a free event.

Also on Tuesday, January 15 at 7:30pm, HPO’s Associate Concertmaster Lance Ouellette hosts Bach’s Coffee House, a casual talk and performance of Bach’s music and the Baroque violin at Redchurch Café + Gallery. One beverage is included in the price of each ticket.

On Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30pm, the Bach Festival returns to St. Paul United Church, Dundas where HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte presents an engaging talk on the life, music and cultural influences of Bach. In association with the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science an Art (HAALSA), this event includes a performance of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue by the Director of Music at St. Paul’s United Church, Fredric DeVries. This is a free event.

On Thursday, January 17 at 5:30pm, Happy Hour returns to Dundas at Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte and HPO String Trio hosts this casual talk and  performance of works written by Bach while you enjoy specialty Brews from Shawn & Ed’s.

On Friday, January 18 at 11am, the festival continues with the Seniors’ Talk and Tea at FirstOntario Concert Hall. HPO Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Bach before heading to a behind-the-scenes visit to the HPO rehearsal in the concert hall.

Also, on Friday, January 18 at 12:45pm, HPO brings to you Bach: His Life and Music at the Hamilton Public Library, central branch. HPO Associate Concertmaster Lance Ouellette and guest conductor Ivars Taurins host an insightful talk and violin performance on the musical style of Bach. This is a free event open to the community.

Finally, the Bach Festival concludes on the mainstage at FirstOntario Concert Hall with Glorious Bach on January 19 at 7:30pm. This concert demonstrates the exquisite themes and textures of Johann Sebastien Bach. Baroque expert Ivars Taurins journeys off the beaten path to highlight his favourite works of the great composer.

Immediately following the mainstage Glorious Bach concert, guests are invited to join HPO musicians for a Pro-Am Jam. Professional and amateur musicians of all ages and levels are invited to the FirstOntario Concert Hall mezzanine to play an arrangement of Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring alongside HPO musicians. Participants must be ticket holders to the Glorious Bach concert and provide their own instrument.

Ticket information: To purchase tickets to select Bach Festival events or RSVP for free events, visit staginghpo.wpengine.com or call 905-526-7756.

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About the HPO: The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.    

Media Contacts:

Christina Volpini
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x226
cvolpini@hpo.org

Kim Varian
Director, Development and Communications
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x222
kvarian@hpo.org