Bach Festival Society of Kalamazoo Inc

Founded in 1946 by Kalamazoo College Professor Dr. Henry Overley, the Kalamazoo Bach Festival Society is now led by Music and Artistic Director (August 2017), Dr. Chris Ludwa. The Bach Festival Society of Kalamazoo continues its mission is to bring excellent vocal, choral and instrumental music to the widest possible audience in southwest Michigan through performances of major works by the Bach Festival Chorus and orchestra, the sponsorship of renowned vocal artists, choral groups, chamber ensembles, and educational outreach activities. While the Bach Society continues its important role of presenting major choral masterpieces in Kalamazoo, focuses on the music of J. S. Bach and composers from the Renaissance to the contemporary era, and is committed to practicing, promoting, and preserving the art of choral music and the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, it is also committed to sustainable and relevant programming, becoming actively involved in the community with social justice issues, increasing diversity with the staff, board, and chorus, creating an equitable organization, and creating a concert experience accessible to the entire community. The Kalamazoo Bach Festival sees profound relevance in civic engagement, connecting music and the arts with community efforts to demonstrate love and commitment to fellow humans in need. We especially like to shine a spotlight and bring awareness to causes and organizations near and dear to the hearts of chorus members, whom many volunteer for. The Bach Festival Society has expanded to twenty yearly concerts and events including a year-long concert series of three large choral productions, two chamber choral productions, an annual Bach Festival Week, and several educational collaborations and outreach activities in venues widely spread throughout the community including theaters, churches, libraries, outdoor and indoor festivals, hotels, and breweries. Committed to sustaining the arts by collaboration with other arts organizations in the area is key.