Show & Go Promotions

Justin Braun, a student at Rollins’ Crummer School of Business, shares his thoughts on the past weekend, including the Festival Lecture and Anniversary Mass Concerts.

“The Bach Festival really is one of the polished gems in the crown of the Central Florida region and certainly one of the chief ornaments of Rollins College,” said critically acclaimed author and classical-music and fine-art critic for The Wall Street Journal, Barrymore Laurence Scherer, during his pre-festival lecture on Saturday, February 20.  Celebrating its 75th Anniversary, the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park opened this commemorative season with an Anniversary Mass.  The program featured exceptional classical music selections highlighting the breadth of the Festival’s repertoire over the past three quarter century.

Winter Park’s Bach Festival is the third oldest of all the Societies across the country and has been under the direction of only six conductors throughout its extended history.  Having always provided the Rollins and surrounding community with quality cultural experiences, the Festival’s rise to becoming a leader among society-enriching organizations can directly be attributed to the outstanding and superior vision of current Artistic Director and Conductor, John Sinclair.  Having served at the helm of the Festival for 20 years, Sinclair holds the title of longest tenured conductor in the history of the Festival’s existence.

“The wise and sensitive artistry of John Sinclair adds value that is simply matchless,” said Scherer.   Yet, John Sinclair humbly believes his duty is purely to carry on the rich tradition established by the conductors before him.  “I am merely standing on the shoulders of my predecessors,” said Sinclair.

Still, Scherer went on to explain the significance of Winter Park’s Bach Festival.  “At a time when classical music must constantly defend itself in order to stay relevant, to live in an area that is this beautiful with such gifted musicians playing the best music is an unequaled opportunity for the people of the surrounding community.  It is as close to any kind of a musical paradise as I’ve ever seen. “

An air of heavenly splendor was certainly conveyed through the masterworks performed.  The two and a half hour concert included instrumental compositions by J.S. Bach and Antonio Vivaldi as well as choral works by Haydn, Handel and Mozart.  Featured soloists included Rollins Music Department faculty members Julia Foster, assistant professor of voice and opera, Joni Roos, adjunct professor of violin and viola, and Curtis Rayam, adjunct professor of voice, each of whom displayed their virtuosity and mastery with ease.  The concert even included a group sing-a-long of J.S. Bach’s “O Sacred Head,” during which audience members were encouraged to stand and sing along with the choir and orchestra.  Music and lyrics were provided in the program.

Justin Braun (MBA Class of 2011)

Congratulations to the Winners of the Spirit of the Bach Festival Photography Exhibit

On Thursday, February 11, 2010, the Bach Festival Society, in partnership with the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens and Crealdé School of Art, announced the winners of the Spirit of Bach Festival Photography Exhibit.

First place
Pat Remington: Overhead of John Sinclair and the Orchestra, 2009

Second place
Thomas Raupach: Chapel Interior—Facing Organ, 2009

Third place
Cindy Murray: Violin and Music Detail, 2009

Honorable Mentions
Tony Blankenship: Trumpet Detail, 2009
Reg Garner: John Sinclair and the Orchestra, 2009

The Spirit of Bach Festival Photography exhibit features the photos of eight local photographers who were given access to photograph the choir and orchestra during the Spring of 2009. The exhibit, including the winning photos, will be on display at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens through April 25, 2010. Standard Museum admission fees apply.

It’s true that most of the energy of the Society and our staff is going into preparing for our 75th Anniversary celebration next month. However, the world has kept turning, and other exciting things have taken place that we want to share with you.

At the beginning of the month our Artistic Director and Conductor John Sinclair traveled across I-4 to Tampa to conduct the Men’s Choir at the Florida Music Educator’s Association All-State Conference. In addition to performing a piece by choir alum Jamey Ray, Dr. Sinclair took Bach Festival Orchestra members with him to accompany the singers in their performance.

Pride swelled in the Bach Festival office last week when we received the news that Curtis Rayam was recognized by the National Opera Association as the winner of the “Lift Every Voice” Legacy Award. Bach Festival President Eric Ravndal III commented, “How delightful that one of our own has been recognized with this high honor from such a well-respected national organization. His distinguished career has enriched the lives of music lovers throughout the world. We are most proud of his receiving this honor.”

Curtis began his long association with the Bach Festival Society as a student at Jones High School in Orlando, has performed as soloist with the choir and orchestra, and more recently serves as a member of our Board of Trustees. He travelled to Atlanta to accept his award. Congratulations, Curtis!

As we move into February, the calendar is full of exciting events we are working hard to make memorable.  We hope a few of these programs make it onto your calendar, and we look forward to seeing you at the historic 75th Annual Bach Festival.