BERKSHIRE BACH PORTALS
Films, Books, and Talks about Bach
Michael Marissen
January 24-26, 2025
7pm on Jan-24 | Kellogg Music Center | Bard College at Simon’s Rock | 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, MA
7pm on Jan-25 | Venue to be announced
BOOK READINGS: BACH and GOD
Musicologist Michael Marissen provocatively explores the foundation of Bach’s religious beliefs and the social norms of Lutheran Germany, reading from his works on the subject—including Bach & God (2016) and Bach against Modernity (2023)—and identifying some of the revelations that shaped his own understanding of the composer. Eugene Drucker hosts a discussion with the author following the book reading.
Individual Event tickets:
$35 Nonmembers | $30 BBS Members | $10 Card to Culture | Children & Students under 25 with ID FREE
March 7-9, 2025
7pm on Mar-7 | Kellogg Music Center | Bard College at Simon’s Rock | 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, MA
7pm on Mar-8 | Venue to be announced
BOOK READING: AN EVENING IN THE PALACE OF REASON (2005)
Journalist and author James R. Gaines provides a fictionalized account of the true-life event in 1747 that produced Bach’s Das Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079. The evening includes a book reading by the author, a live performance of the trio sonata from the work, and a discussion hosted by Artistic Director Eugene Drucker. Mr. Drucker’s performances of the music of Bach in the Berkshires are exclusive to The Berkshire Bach Society.
Performers: Eugene Drucker, Violin | Roberta Cooper, Cello | Judith Mendenhall, Flute | Kenneth Weiss, Harpsichord
Individual Event tickets:
$45 Nonmembers | $40 BBS Members | $10 Card to Culture | Children & Students under 25 with ID FREE
Completed Events
Tristan Cook
September 6-8, 2024
FILM: STRANGERS ON THE EARTH (2018)
Filmmaker Tristan Cook follows the journey of cellist Dane Johansen as he walks the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage road from Southern France to Spain with his cello on his back. Eugene Drucker introduces the event with a live performance and hosts a discussion with the filmmaker following the screening.
“Wonderful! Thank you, Berkshire Bach, for a fascinating evening!”
Peter Sparling
November 8-9, 2024
FILM: CHACONNE (2023)
Distinguished choreographer and filmmaker Peter Sparling discusses 100 years of choreography to Bach and uses Bach’s iconic Chaconne from the Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004, as inspiration for dance sequences that explore the depths of artistic expression. The musical performance in the film is by BBS Artistic Director Eugene Drucker, who introduces the event with a live performance of the first four movements of BWV 1004, and hosts a discussion with the filmmaker following the screening. Mr. Drucker’s performances of the music of Bach in the Berkshires are exclusive to The Berkshire Bach Society.
“Loved this! What an amazing program! A real privilege to have these artists perform for us. Thank you, Berkshire Bach!”