Bach Around the Clock

This annual celebration of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach gives professional and amateur players a chance to participate with in-person and virtual performances. It kicks off with the monthly Just Bach concert featuring an early cantata and a chorale from St. Matthew Passion (noon, March 6, Luther Memorial Church). The main event is March 9 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church ; performances begin at 10 a.m. and include a sing-along at noon and a tribute to PDQ Bach at 12:30 p.m., with a reception at 5 p.m. Pre-recorded performances debut on YouTube March 10. Find the full schedule below, and updates at bachclock.com.

media release: BATC 2024 Schedule

All events are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, March 6: Just Bach, Luther Memorial Church, 12:00 – 12:30 PM:  Bach’s Cantata BWV 196: Der Herr Denket an uns & Chorale BWV 244:37 Wer hat dich so geschlagen.

Amanda Lauricella, soprano; Geoffrey Williams, alto; John Bragle, tenor; Ryne Cherry, baritone; Kangwon Kim, violin; Benjamin Lenzmeier, violin; Micah Behr, viola; Charlie Rasmussen, cello; Bruce Bengtson, organ

Thursday, March 7: Master Class: Singing Bach – Beyond the Notes with Dr. Sarah Brailey, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: Listen and observe as selected singers learn the nuances of singing Bach’s works. This event is open to the public.

note: This event is funded by an Event Grant from the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a donation from the J.Adam Shelton Voice Studio, in memory of Marika Fischer Hoyt.

Friday, March 8: FUS Musicale, First Unitarian Society, 12:15 – 1:00 PM: Bach’s Other Voices” – A unique presentation of Bach’s music performed by Madison Area Concert Handbells TRIO; Nathan Wysock on Classical Guitar; Paul Baker on Electronic Midi-Marimba; Hands on the Harpsichord, 4-5pm, Enrollment limited. Contact BATC for location & to sign up: Bring a Bach composition of your choice to play on the harpsichord, under the guidance of harpsichordist/teacher Sean Kleve.

Saturday, March 9: BATC Marathon, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: A full day of Bach performed by amateur and professional musicians of all ages. Come for an hour or stay all day! Highlights:

• 10 Meet the Harpsichord! lecture/demo

• 11:30 Wisconsin Chamber Choir sings selections from Christmas Oratorio

• 12 Community Chorale Sing-along

• 12:30 Tribute to PDQ Bach

• 4  Hear the Harpsichord! Finale concert

• 5 Bach’s Birthday Cake reception

• plus much more!!!  Full marathon schedule to be announced soon. note: Times are approximate and may change slightly, so come early!

Sunday, March 10: BATC Virtual Festival Premiere on the BATC YouTube Channel. Special performance: Bruce Bengtson performs Bach on a Clavichord built by Tim Farley. The recording was made live at the First Unitarian Church in Madison, and presented in the BATC virtual festival with permission.