BACHanalia, Nashville TN: A 6-Hour Celebration Of J.S. Bach

N.B. Those who attended (and a lot of people, of all ages, filled the pews!) were treated so some of the most glorious music-making ever seen in Nashville. Carol McClure, with her quartet of harpists, Murray Somerville and friends holding forth with a Brandenburg Concerto, the venerable Wilma Jensen performing the Toccata D minor, and Elisabeth Small's stunning performances of portions of the violin Chaconnes and Sonatas were highlights--but it was all wonderful. Thanks to Christ Church Cathedral and Susan Dupont, event chair.

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One of the joys of living in the regions of Nashville TN is the privilege of hearing so much wonderful music, produced locally and performed live. This week alone, OS enjoyed the saxophone artistry of Lou Marini, backed by a cracking good big band, a top-flite country songwriter performing his own material, and tonight--the music of J.S. Bach. Six hours of it, if he can sit still that long.

It's BACHanalia time in Nashville, at Christ Church Cathedral, corner of 9th and Broad downtown. It's a wonderful evening, free to the public. Whole families attend, from kids to seniors. Begins at 5:00 pm, ends as close to 11:00 as can be accomplished.

For OS's readership in this part of the world--a hearty invitation to join in.


Christ Church Cathedral is celebrating the genius and mastery of Johann Sebastian Bach in the fifth annual BACHanalia, a 6-hour marathon music festival. Music begins at 5 pm and continues non-stop until 11 pm on Friday, March 25, 2011. Admission is free.

Audience members may come any time and stay as long as they like. Food, beverages and t-shirts are available for a minimal cost, with music piped into the dining area so as not to miss a minute of the performances.

BACHanalia is a gift to the Nashville community from nearly 100 of Nashville’s finest musicians. They will perform a wide variety of Bach’s masterpieces in expected and unexpected ways – everything from harp to marimba, organ to voice, jazz ensembles to harpsichord, and sonatas to sarabandes will delight the ear. Studio musicians, Nashville Symphony musicians, area university faculty and students, and church musicians all contribute to this festive evening of Bach's music.