Bach and Beyond
If your idea of classical music is limited to somber hymns and the occasional public radio broadcast, it’s time you tried the Victoria Bach Festival. Held each June, the VBF has earned a solid reputation not only for its commitment to artistic excellence, but also for its engaging and accessible approach to the classics.
“Festival week includes a great mix of offerings, including everything from small ensembles to major symphonic and choral performances,” says Nina Di Leo, VBF’s managing director. “The festival gives local musicians the opportunity to perform with nationally acclaimed artists in venues throughout the area. There are fun, interactive family programs, open rehearsals and pre-concert chats. Best of all, many events are free to the public.”
For example, the 2009 Festival included a Family Drum Circle. Featuring rhythm therapists Judy and David Hillendahl, this unique musical program invited people of all ages to experience percussion instruments from around the world.
“This is the kind of thing that people don’t normally associate with a classical music festival, but we had a great cross-section of the community in that room making music and having fun together,” she says.
“We expected maybe 50 people to show up at the Victoria Public Library that day – we ended up with 190.”
Grammy-nominated conductor Craig Hella Johnson, who is widely respected around the country as a choral conductor and musician, leads the VBF. He is supported by Creative Team members Joey Martin and Michelle Schumann. The combined artistry and imagination of these leaders makes for engaging and eclectic programming.
“We love and respect the classics,” says Di Leo. “The symphonies and choral music we perform are some of the greatest music ever written, and it’s a thrill to hear it live. But the creativity of our artists also allows for a lot inventiveness and originality – our harpsichord plays a lot of Bach, but it has also played pieces by Eric Clapton and Sting.”
The Festival has a long history in Victoria and celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2010. Its longevity is due in large part to the combined efforts of hundreds of community members who give gifts of time, money, and hospitality to support the event and performers.
“What I love about the Festival is the range of musical experiences it offers,” Di Leo says. “You can go to a percussion concert and feel our deep human connections to rhythm. You can witness the intense communication and emotion of players in small ensembles, and you can be awed by the spectacular wave of sound generated by our large choral and orchestral performances. Live music affects listeners and players on physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual levels, and over a week at Festival, you can get it all.”
Story by Amy Stumpfl
