What is The Berkshire Bach Society? You might also ask, why is there a Berkshire Bach Society? As a group of people interested in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque composers, The Berkshire Bach Society brings the music of this period to life for audiences, examines the central place Bach holds in the repertoire, how he himself was influenced, and how he influenced those who followed. We are dedicated to engaging world-class musicians to present the mastery of Bach and other composers, to probe the canon of work for programming that excites, entertains, and uplifts, and to feed our audiences’ appetite for more information with program notes that inform, enlighten, and educate about our namesake and the world in which he worked.

Why do we do this? We believe this is essential repertoire for today’s world. Our founder, author and musician Simon Wainrib, began The Society 30 years ago when the music of J.S. Bach was not as available to audiences in the Berkshires as it is today. Simon set out to change that. He gave lectures on all-things Bach to small and large groups, built a following, raised some money, and formed a local choral group that began performing Bach cantatas. Simon soon was bringing in outstanding musicians from near and far, including harpsichordist Kenneth Cooper who built the Berkshire Bach Ensemble, nine-time Emmy Award-winning violinist and co-founder of The Emerson String Quartet, Eugene Drucker (who now leads the Berkshire Bach Ensemble), and others. Shortly after the arrival of Dr. Cooper, The Society launched the now iconic New Year’s Eve tradition, Bach at New Year’s, built around Bach’s “Brandenburg” Concerti. Our seasons are filled with performances of choral works, recitals, chamber music, organ concerts, fundraisers hosted in private homes, and the always popular dinner party we throw for Bach’s birthday in March.

We pursue our mission because we appreciate the works and influence of J.S. Bach. Our commitment deepens as we are elevated—both culturally and spiritually—by his work and that of other composers from the Baroque era. Not to mention we have so much fun doing it. Please join us!

Paula M. Hatch | Executive Director