2024 Biennial Bach Festival
Join us for the exciting 2024 Biennial Bach Festival, an event that celebrates the remarkable works of Johann Sebastian Bach and brings together musicians and lovers of classical music from our community and beyond.
Many events featuring music, dance, art, and more are planned throughout the week of Bach Fest.
Grab your passport and get your Bach on!
Thank you, Waupaca Area Community Foundation, for your incredible generosity!
The Bach Festival would not happen without your financial support, and that of our community donors!
Opening Event!
Bach Chamber Concert
Conducted by Dr. Andres Moran
Sunday, Oct. 6 — 6:30 p.m.
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church- N2845 Shadow Road, Waupaca
Tickets- $25 per Adult, Children/Students under 18, FREE! Please reserve a ticket for your child.
Wine & dessert reception to follow concert
Conductor:
Dr. Andres Moran serves as the director of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Symphony Orchestra and artist/teacher of horn at UWSP. Moran has served as resident conductor of the El Paso Symphony and Youth Symphony Orchestras, as well as on conducting staffs of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, the Music in the Mountains Festival in Durango, Colorado, and the prestigious Interlochen Summer Arts Camp.
An accomplished horn player, Moran is the principal horn of the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and the Sarasota Music Festival. He lives in Plover, WI with his wife, an accomplished violist, and two children.
Program:
We open the 2024 Bach Festival with a Chamber Music Concert featuring the Bach Festival Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Andres Moran. The orchestra will be performing the following pieces:
J. S. Bach – Cantata No. 51, "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen!" Soloist- Susan Bender, Soprano
J. S. Bach – Oboe Concerto in D Minor, BWV 1059R Soloist- Stacey Berk, Oboe
Felix Mendelssohn – String Sinfonia No. 4 in C minor
Soloists
Susan Bender is a versatile soprano and teacher, who was a Metropolitan Opera National Council Winner in 1986, the same year she debuted with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra in a concert of operatic arias. Ms. Bender's recital, oratorio and contemporary performances consistently receive high marks from critiques, and she has been nominated twice for her work in musical theatre by the Washington Theatre Guild. She has sung with the Washington Bach Consort in DC on numerous occasions as soloist, she was an apprentice soprano to Beverly Hoch and the Stony Brook Bach Group and was recently featured in Madison’s Bach Around the Clock performance of BWV 202, a wedding cantata. Tom Strini raved of her Milwaukee concert of Georges Aperghis and John Cage as being a “tour-de-force,” and able to “apply commanding technique, canny phrasing and sly wit” in her presentation of these “avant-garde manifestoes.”
Stacey Berk is Professor of Oboe and Music Theory at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. While regularly performing as principal oboist with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, she has also performed as a member of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, the U.S. Air Force Band of the West, Trio Canna reed trio and Polaris Wind Quintet. Before soloing with the Waupaca Bach festival chamber orchestra, Ms. Berk performed as soloist with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, the Wausau Symphony, the Marshfield Symphony, and the UWSP Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestras. As an active composer she has had works performed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. She lives in Waupaca, Wisconsin with her husband and daughter.
Tickets:
Child/Student Tickets
Tickets also available at the door.
Bach Event Passports!
Bach passports will be available at the door of each event. For each event that you attend, you get a stamp in your passport. If you get four or more stamps, you will be entered into our basket drawing!
Attend as many of the Bach Festival events as you can and be eligible to win the Bach Festival Grand Prize Basket, filled with lots of lush items including wine, chocolate, music and more! The basket drawing will take place on October 13, during the Goldberg Variations performance at the Danes hall.
Bach Festival Daily Events
Monday, October 7
Winchester Academy Presentation by Sharon West
6:30 p.m.
Waupaca Public Library - 107 S Main Street, Waupaca
FREE!!
Winchester Academy presents: Learning from Bach in a Digital World!
Sharon West, composer and (perpetual) student has an MS in Engineering & worked nearly 25 years in process management.
She then re-engaged with her lifelong passion and interest in composing by attending online courses in songwriting, composition, and music production.
J. S. Bach is probably the greatest music composer who has ever lived. He did it all in a time without computers, writing everything by hand. Today composers use a host of computer tools to make music. We’ll look at how computers make composing faster and the choices they provide, by examining some of Bach’s compositions within a modern Digital Audio Workstation, from simple piano canons to full sonatas and orchestral suites. Once you see how amazing his works are, even from a modern standpoint, you’ll be even more impressed with his spectacular compositions!
Mark Flora & Sally Stevens are our event sponsors.
Tuesday, October 8
Bits and Bites Baroque Basket Class with Barbara Johnson!
5:30 p.m.
Holly History & Genealogy Center (Lower Level) - 321 S Main St, Waupaca
Cost - $35 per person
The Bits and Bites Baroque Basket class will be an immersive experience where you’ll learn the timeless craft of weaving your very own basket from start to finish. The Bits and Bites Baroque Basket is more than just a snack holder. Use it for bread, mail, or as a decorative centerpiece. In this basket class you will learn basic basket weaving – how to prepare your material, measuring, marking, start stop weaving and rimming. Colors may vary. Beginners Welcome!
Wednesday, October 9
Music and Wine Intertwine with Nell Buchman!
6:30 p.m.
Green Fountain Inn - 604 S Main St, Waupaca
FREE Event (Wine for Purchase)
Get into the “spirits” of Bach week! This year, due to many community requests, we are expanding the Bach Festival to include music from other composers. Join us in this opportunity to learn about these six musical periods. Be prepared to have an even deeper appreciation of classical music. Green Fountain Inn is offering wine samples to go along with this presentation.
This presentation is presented by pianist, Nell Buchman, and will feature engaging information on these six periods of classical music:
Medieval (c. 1150-c. 1400)
Renaissance (c. 1400-c. 1600)
Baroque (c. 1600-c. 1750)
Classical (c. 1750-c. 1830)
Early Romantic (c.1830-1860)
Late Romantic (c.1860-c.1920)
As a follow up, to hear pieces from each of these periods, join us on Thursday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. for the Classical Community Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church where performances from each period will take place.
If you would like to sample the wine pairings during this presentation, wine tickets will be sold at the door.
There is no cost to attend this program, but you must reserve your seat as seating at the Green Fountain Inn is limited!
Nell Jorgensen Buchman teaches piano, group piano, and early childhood music at the Lawrence Community Music School and Lawrence University. In addition to teaching, she accompanies and manages LCMS girl choirs from grades 3-12 and is the pianist at Emmanuel Methodist Church in Appleton. Ms. Buchman has performed at Lawrence University, the Winchester Academy, Neenah Library, UWSP, Pine Mountain Music Festival, Frankly Music Chamber Series and with the Raleigh Symphony, Cimarron Opera Company and Brevard Music Center Orchestra among others. She has been a guest on public radio and has performed at music conventions such as MTNA and MENC. Since settling in Waupaca with her family in 1997, Nell has been a frequent contributor and performer for the WCAB’s biennial Bach festival.
She serves as musical director of the Bach Festival.
Thursday, October 10
Classical Community Concert
6:30 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church - 206 E Badger St, Waupaca
FREE!!
Join us for a delightful concert, featuring community members playing the music of J. S. Bach, and more!
This year we are adding composers from other classical musical periods to enhance the experience of Bach Fest. If you attended Wednesdays “Music and Wine Intertwine” with Nell Buchman, you got the chance to learn more about these periods and grow your knowledge of classical music.
Our concert will feature composers from the following periods:
Medieval (c. 1150-c. 1400)
Renaissance (c. 1400-c. 1600)
Baroque (c. 1600-c. 1750)
Classical (c. 1750-c. 1830)
Early Romantic (c.1830-1860)
Late Romantic (c.1860-c.1920)
Featured composers will include works from Mozart, Brahms, Chopin, J. S. Bach and more!
We will post musicians and their pieces soon!
Attend this free community concert! No tickets needed!
Friday, October 11
Bach Storybook Trail
Walk at Waupaca Learning Center - Morning
Walk at Chain Exploration Center - Afternoon
Not open to the Public
The Waupaca Community Arts Board will once again be collaborating with Waupaca Schools and the Waupaca Public Library to bring the story of J. S. Bach’s life alive, through story and music!
WCAB volunteers will read the Bach Story to 3rd graders at the WLC in the morning, and students will do a self- guided reading via the Library’s Storybook trail outdoors at the CEC in the afternoon.
Student musicians Clara Dunne, 16, of St. Paul, and Syl Fries, 17, of Waupaca, and featured ‘Bach in the Brewery’ artist, Stas Venglevski will provide live musical interludes between chapters of the book, giving the students a very dynamic learning experience that they will never forget!
Since 2017, WCAB has been proud to provide the Bach Storybook Trail experience to 3-5 graders, creating a special local appreciation for classical music in our community members! This classical music outreach has enhanced the general music education of our students in Waupaca.
Bach in the Brewery at H.H Hinder
6:30 p.m.
H.H. Hinder Brewing Company - 804 Churchill St, Waupaca
FREE!!
Join us for an incredible concert by Stas Venglevski, playing the music of J. S. Bach on his Bayan, (a Russian instrument similar to a Western accordion.) This is a very unique opportunity to experience the music of Bach in a setting not unlike a pub in Baroque times, complete with craft beer!
His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought Stanislav, "Stas," Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the Bayan. A two-time first prize winner of Bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his master’s degree in music under the tutelage of the famed Russian Bayanist, Friedrich Lips.
In 1992 he emigrated to the United States.
Stas is an Accordionist, a Musician, an Arranger, an Entertainer and a Teacher. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States.
Saturday, October 12
Bach Family Fun Day at the Arts Hub!
1 p.m.
The Arts Hub - 720 Demarest Ave, Waupaca
FREE!!
Come together with us for creative crafts inspired by the music of J.S Bach.
Waupaca Screen Printing Guild will be on hand to help you screen print the iconic image of J. S. Bach’s face on a t-shirt! Bring your own item to screen print if you would like or use the provided t-shirts of various sizes.
WCAB volunteers will be on hand to help participants create a Bach image using vintage sheet music, graphite and paints! Bring home your own image of J. S. Bach if you wish! All Ages!
Join us for a special concert with Arts Hub Music Students in a recital, performing the music of J. S. Bach! All levels will be performing on various instruments. A cupcake reception follows the concert!
Final Bach Event!
Goldberg Variations Performance
Featuring pianist, Nell Buchman and choreographers/dancers, Pamela Luedkte and Katelyn Altmann
Sunday, Oct. 13 — 6:30 p.m.
The Danes Hall - 301 N Main St, Waupaca
Tickets- $25 per Adult, Children/Students under 18, FREE! Please reserve a ticket for your child.
Dessert reception to follow concert
Don’t miss the final performance of this year’s Bach Festival, featuring pianist Nell Buchman. Experience the mesmerizing second half of Bach’s legendary Goldberg Variations, with brilliant choreographers/dancers, Pamela Luedtke and Katelyn Altmann.
Immerse yourself in an evening of exceptional music and dance in the elegant setting of The Danes Hall. Secure your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable cultural experience! Beverages will be available for purchase at the Danes Hall. A complimentary dessert reception will follow the concert.
Learn more about J. S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations HERE!
Tickets:
Child/Student Tickets
Tickets also available at the door.
Nell Jorgensen Buchman teaches piano, group piano, and early childhood music at the Lawrence Community Music School and Lawrence University. In addition to teaching, she accompanies and manages LCMS girl choirs from grades 3-12 and is the pianist at Emmanuel Methodist Church in Appleton. Ms. Buchman has performed at Lawrence University, the Winchester Academy, Neenah Library, UWSP, Pine Mountain Music Festival, Frankly Music Chamber Series and with the Raleigh Symphony, Cimarron Opera Company and Brevard Music Center Orchestra among others. She has been a guest on public radio and has performed at music conventions such as MTNA and MENC. Since settling in Waupaca with her family in 1997, Nell has been a frequent contributor and performer for the WCAB’s biennial Bach festival. She serves as musical director of the Bach Festival.
Pamela Luedtke instructs dance throughout Central Wisconsin and is currently an Associate Lecturer instructing ballet and modern with the dance department at UW- Stevens Point (UWSP). She was the founder and artistic director of a non-profit 503(c) youth dance company Point Dance Ensemble (PDE) and just celebrated the company’s 22nd season. Ms. Luedtke is a Pilates Instructor at Studio B Pilates, Stevens Point and is certified in Educational Kinesiology (Brain Gym©).
Before moving to Central Wisconsin, Pamela Luedtke performed with the Mary Anthony Dance Theatre and worked with such dance luminaries as Anna Sokolow, Bertram Ross and Agnes de Mille while living in New York City, NY. Ms. Luedtke instructed modern dance at Mary Anthony's Dance Studio and taught Movement for Actors at Herbert Berghoff Acting Studio.
Katelyn Altmann (she/her) is a movement-based artist, choreographer, and improvisor currently residing in Milwaukee, WI. She graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance and Choreography from the UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts and currently serves as adjunct faculty for the UW-Milwaukee Department of Dance. Her choreography has been shown at Velocity(WA), Gibney(NY), Danceworks(WI), MYARTS(WI), Milwaukee Fringe Festival(WI), Dance Masters of Wisconsin(WI), the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters(IL) and throughout the Greater Milwaukee Area. Her work, “soft ground, stiff shoulder” was selected to be presented at the 2019 ACDA conference. Altmann has collaborated with and performed in works by Esther Baker-Tarpaga, Daniel Burkholder, Li Chiao-Ping, Mair Culbreth, Simone Ferro, Melanie George, Joe Goode, Maria Gillespie, Holly Johnson, Debra Loewen, Dawn Springer, Christal Wagner and worked with artists such as Ishmael Houston-Jones, Kathleen Hermesdorf, and Irene Dowd among others. She is a current performance and collaborative artist with Wild Space Dance Company, Danceworks Performance MKE, Li Chiao Ping Dance, Gina Laurenzi Dance Project and Hyperlocal MKE.
If you missed the first performance of the Goldberg Variations performance in 2022, click the video to watch!!