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Bach Festivals & Cantata Series
Los Angeles Bach Festival |
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Name: |
Los Angeles Bach Festival |
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Location: |
Los Angeles, California, USA |
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Venues: |
First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, Wilshire Center, 540 South Commonwealth Avenue , Los Angeles, CA. 90020 |
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Years: |
Since 1934 (Annual Festival) |
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Months: |
October (3rd Week) |
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Artistic Director: |
John Smallman (1936-1937)
Alexander Ruggieri
Dr. Jonathan Talberg (since 2008) |
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Ensembles: |
Los Angeles Bach Festival Chorus and Orchestra |
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Website: |
Los Angeles Bach Festival |
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History & Mission: |
The Los Angeles Bach Festival has its beginnings in 1936 under the direction of John Smallman, Music Director from 1921 until his untimely death on December 19, 1937. Dr. Smallman died doing what he loved best, conducting the Cathedral choir in a performance of The Messiah. This festival has been held at First Church ever since. It is interesting to note that the Cathedral choir continues to wear the uniform he chose for is choristers, the simple white surplice over a red robe. Those who have attended the festival concerts over the years may have noticed two lamp posts with surround seats out in the forecourt. These are the Smallman memorial lamps, dedicated in his memory by his choir.
The Jr. Bach Festival fosters an early interest in classical music for young people, giving them a platform to gain experience in auditioning in a prestigious venue, with the opportunity to a solo or ensemble performance to the winners. This particular series has long been a part of the music tradition of the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, who's own musical history dates back to the late 1800's, when a Women's Orchestra was founded under the direction of a gentleman by the name of Harley Hamilton.
The Los Angeles Bach Festival is Los Angeles' oldest cultural festival and the oldest Bach Festival in the West. |
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Recent Festivals: |
76th Festival: Oct 17-25, 2009
77th Festival: Oct 17-24, 2010 |
78th Festival: Oct 16-23, 2011
79th Festival: Oct 14-21, 2012 |
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Logo: |
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