Announcing our New Season

The Universal Appeal of Bach

I have often written about the universal nature of Bach’s music. This quality is perhaps the single largest motivation for the existence of the Toronto Bach Festival, and was prominent in my mind when I founded the festival five years ago. Bach’s music has a powerful ability to reach across formidable barriers of class and culture and connect us with one another by appealing to our common humanity. This universality is not unique to Bach, but it is undeniable that his works have an appeal that speaks powerfully to a broad spectrum of humankind. No one is left unaffected by this music.

I believe the ability of Bach’s music to connect us takes on even greater importance during these challenging times. Somehow, more than ever, we need Bach to reassure us that we are not alone, to rekindle our sense of joy, and to show us the way forward.

Listening to his music seems to hold out the promise that order still exists in the world, and its joyousness reassures us that one day things will return to a semblance of normality. I have designed the Toronto Bach Festival 2020–21 season of five online concerts and events to provide the joy and reassurance that we all need, and to connect us when we cannot experience live concerts together.

Tickets for our online season will be priced at a modest $20, or $60 for a four-concert subscription, and will be available starting Friday, October 9. The panel discussion will be presented free of charge. I hope you will support us as we bring you our very highest artistry this season. 

I look forward to presenting this selection of Bach’s music to you in the online setting necessary during this pandemic year, and I look forward even more to seeing you all and performing for you in person when we are able to resume live performances.

Warmly,
John