Bach & Beyond Baroque Music Festival

2010 Program

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Bach & Beyond Festival.  To mark the occasion, Festival Artistic Director and Conductor Grant Cooper is planning a special program that will feature the beauty and sound of two unique instruments.

A Buffalo supporter of the arts has very graciously agreed to the loan of two 18th-century Seraphin violins to be used in performance during the 2010 Festival.  Concertmistress Julie Leven and Margie Cooper will have the honor or performing on these very fine and valuable instruments in J.S. Bach's Double Concerto for Violin.

Sanctus Seraphin (1699-1758) was a financially successful luthier who learned his craft from the legendary Cremona luthier Nicolo Amati, alongside another noted luthier - Antonio Stradivari.  Legend says that the two students were fierce rivals who went their separate ways upon completion of their studies.  Seraphin's instruments are known to be responsive, very resonant and carry well.  Only approximately 30 genuine Seraphin violins are known to exist.

According to Cooper, the overall theme of this year's Festival will be "The Emergence of Symphonic Thought."  While we are still awaiting the addition of a few pieces, the 2010 concert programs, as they currently stand, are listed below.

Friday, June 11, 8pm

Saturday, June 12, 8pm

Sunday, June 13, 4pm

Subscriptions are the Best Bargain!

Consider a subscription to the 2010 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.

Bach's Lunches

For a sneak peak at what the festival has in store, special musical matinee performances will be held at local eateries.  Admission to these "Bach's Lunches" is the cost of lunch and reservations are required.