For concert details and to purchase tickets, visit http://portlandbachfestival.org. Tickets for select events may also be purchased at the door, pending availability.

Portland Bach Festival announces itsSummer 2017 Concert and Events for June 14-25. This annual series begins its second season with memorable performances and educational events throughout Portland and neighboring towns.

The Portland Bach Festival is nine days of enthralling musical events, including concerts with internationally acclaimed musicians and Masterclasses (open to the public); Festival stand-outs include: conductors Lewis Kaplan and Emily Isaacson; violinists Lewis Kaplan, Ariadne Daskalakis, Renee Jolles and Yibin Li; vocalists Jolle Greenleaf, Sherezade Panthaki, Jay Carter, Steven Caldicott Wilson, David McFerrin and Oratorio Chorale (PBF choir-in-residence); cellist Beiliang Zhu and Paul Dwyer; Bass: Kurt Muroki; harpsichordists Arthur Haas and Mikael Darmanie; flautist Emi Ferguson; oboistJohn Ferrillo and Amanda Hardy.

This summer, PBF introduces the Bach Virtuosi Institute, a 12-day educational program (June 14-25) for 10 exceptional students from around the globe, to immerse themselves in the music of Bach and Baroque musicians. The caliber of this program is the greatest teaching program of its kind in the arts. Fellows will perform alongside our renowned international faculty in an intimate and collegial atmosphere.

PORTLAND BACH FESTIVAL | JUNE 14–25

Wednesday, June 14: Bach Virtuosi Program begins | Performance of the Chaconne by Festival Co-Founder/Director Lewis Kaplan

Kaplan has performed the Chaconne internationally for more than 20 years in such cities as London, Israel, Japan and Berlin, and at The Juilliard School of Music where he has served as a member of the violin faculty since 1964. Quite simply, the Chaconne is the greatest work ever written for the solo violin. Contact Brian Kaplan for details and location

Thursday, June 15 – Sunday, June 25

Masterclasses with Festival Musicians: Festival Musicians will offer Masterclasses to Bach Virtuosi Fellows each day of the Festival in an intimate setting. Locations and Times on PBF website | Open and free to the public

Saturday, June 17

BachTails at Bayside Bowl: 5-8 p.m. | Bayside Bowl | Free admission with cash bar and food

Violin Concerti, Cello Suites and Kids activities. Between one and eight performers will each play for 10-15 minutes. You’re responsible for enjoying specialty cocktails, beers on tap and featured foods.

Sunday, June 18

Festival Concert and Bach on a Blanket: 6:30 p.m. | Episcopal Church of St. Mary - 43 Foreside Rd, Falmouth |$15 students/$35 adults in advance

The Portland Bach Festival kicks off its opening concert of the 2017 season at the Episcopal Church of St. Mary’s in Falmouth. Last year’s concert sold out, so this year we are introducing Bach on a Blanket. The performances in the sanctuary will be broadcast outside on a big screen where audience members can enjoy the music free of charge. This performance will be videotaped. All ages welcome. Repertoire: Cello Suite #3; Brandenburg Concerto #2; Cantata Herz und mund BMV 147.

Monday, June 19

Bach & Beer: 5-8 p.m. | Ocean Gateway Pier | Entrance is free. Beer and food is available for purchase.

There is a long history in classical music of combining good drink, good friends and great music. With Bach & Beer PBF brings you drink from some of the best micro-brews in Maine, outdoor seating at one of Portland's most picturesque locations, and short musical interludes by the PBF orchestra.

Tuesday, June 20

Bach Virtuosi: 2 p.m. | St. Luke’s Cathedral, Portland |$5 for students/$20 adults in advance
     This afternoon concert features members of the inaugural 2017 Bach Virtuosi Institute.

Wednesday, June 21

Cantata Sing-along: Registration and picnic dinner at 5 p.m, entire event 5-8 p.m. | Episcopal Church of St. Mary - 43 Foreside Rd, Falmouth I $15 for singers ($5 for students and listeners)
Each year PBF and the Oratorio Chorale co-host a one-night rehearsal, concert, and party in celebration of a Bach cantata. Amateur singers and music lovers gather after work for a picnic dinner. After an hour of rehearsal, with PBF and OC conductor Emily Isaacson, and a Bach-inspired cake party, singers perform the full cantata alongside the PBF’s internationally acclaimed artists.

Thursday, June 22

Festival Concert and Venice and the Ghetto panel discussion: 7:30 p.m. | Etz Chaim Synagogue – 267 Congress St, Portland |$15 students/$35 adults in advance
With this concert, we introduce our newest venue, the stunning Etz Chaim Synagogue.The evening will also feature a post-concert reception and panel discussion on Venice and the Ghetto, featuring Joachim von Arnim, Former German Minister to the Vatican, harpsichordist Arthur Haas and moderated by attorney George Isaacson. Repertoire: Cello Suite #2; Violin Concerto in E Major; Vivaldi Flute Concerto in D minor; Selections from St. Matthew Passion

Friday, June 23

Festival Concert: 7:30 p.m. | St. Luke’s Cathedral – 143 State St, Portland |$15 students/$35 adults in advance

This concert moves to the larger Nave for a fuller sound and more space because last summer, the audience spilled into the main hall. Repertoire: Harpsichord Concerto in D Major; Orchestral Suite #2 in B minor; Motet “Jesu meine Freude BMV 227; Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G Major.

Saturday, June 24

Before and After Bach: 7:30 p.m. | St. Luke’s Cathedral – 143 State St, Portland |$5 students/$20 adults in advance

Featuring composers who were inspirations for Bach as well as those inspired by the music of J.S. Bach.

Sunday, June 25

Festival Concert: 6:30 p.m. | Episcopal Church of St. Mary - 43 Foreside Rd, Falmouth |$15 students/$35 adults in advance

The Portland Bach Festival finishes the 2017 season with an astounding concert featuring renowned soprano Sherezade Panthaki and violinist Keir GoGwilt. 
Repertoire: Partita for Violin in B minor BWV 1002; Concerto for Flute, Violin and Harpsichord in A minor BWV 1044; Sonata in G minor, trio arrangement BMV 1029; Cantata “Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen” – BWV 51

The Portland Bach Festival brings world-class music to the backyard of residents and visitors of southern Maine with a unique concert festival that was created for discriminating music aficionados as well as younger enthusiasts. View the YouTube video: http://bit.ly/2rMkkrHf for scenes from the inaugural event last year.