Our Mission is to celebrate the works, inspiration, and ongoing influence of J.S.Bach worldwide by immersing audiences in a festival experience integrating music, education and ideas, and by meaningful community engagement throughout the year.
Our programs energized audiences this year! We increased our education and community engagement programs during our July Festival. All of these programs are FREE.
Featuring chamber ensemble performances in libraries, "In The Stacks" played to over-capacity crowds in Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Marina. We are adding additional locations in 2026, including assisted living centers. The "Family Concert" delights people of all ages as they join Leonard and Rasmus on epic adventures that feature an original story, compelling visuals, and music that introduces new sounds and genres. "Tower Music" are short concerts of brass ensemble music presented outdoors at Sunset Center before the Main Concerts. The July Community Concert has brought authentic Baroque and Classical music to locations in Salinas and Seaside for over 40 years.
Sing Out Loud is a song writing program for 5th graders and will be in residence at an elementary school in Salinas.
We have made efforts to impact much of Monterey County over the years. Historically we have performed and/or held education programs on the Monterey Peninsula and throughout the Salinas area. For several years we took a community concert to King City but that hasn't happened for some time.
We have North and South County on our radar and intend to schedule 1-2 "In The Stacks" concerts in these areas next year, pending scheduling and finding libraries with sufficient space in which to present. We will also add assisted living centers in Seaside and Pacific Grove. Performances at assisted living centers provide so much joy for the residents, we need to do more.
As a former first grade schoolteacher, attending the Carmel Bach Festival Family Concert is such a treat. Seeing so many young children excitedly arriving with family and friends is indeed heart-warming. Watching a child become engaged in a story line that includes classical music (and many other genres, as well) is exceedingly special. The stories are entertaining and the music entrancing. Watching a video of whales while listening to the “music” they make is mesmerizing--no matter one's age! Hearing music from another country that whisks us away to that far-off land is magical. This year I sat behind a five-year old that barely moved for an hour for he was so engaged. He may become a musician himself—or at least be an enthusiastic listener! Hurrah for the Family Concert!
- Gail Dryden, Carmel
