91ST SEASON
SEASON BROCHURE
PRESENTED BY THE BACH FESTIVAL SOCIETY OF WINTER PARK
AT ROLLINS COLLEGE SINCE 1935
2025-2026
91 ST SEASON
Daniel Adam Maltz, fortepiano with Bach Chamber Choir
Voctave: The 10th Anniversary Tour
Carmina Burana & Rhapsody in Blue
Rachmaninoff: Vespers (All-Night Vigil)
A Classic Christmas
Americana: Barber, Bernstein, Copland
October 19, 2025 • 3:00 PM
October 25, 2025 • 7:30 PM
November 2, 2025 • 3:00 PM
November 7, 2025 • 7:30 PM
December 13, 2025 • 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM
December 14, 2025 • 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM
January 30, 2026 • 7:30 PM
91st Annual Bach Festival
Organ Recital: Colin MacKnight
National Oratorio Competition Finals Concert Voces8
Concertos by Candlelight: Guilmant, Paganini, Rachmaninoff
Age of Enlightenment: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven
Fuoco Obbligato
J.S. Bach: St. John Passion
Lysander Piano Trio
Passion Music for Early America with Bach Vocal Artists
Duke Ellington: Sacred Service
Silver Screen Classics
February 6, 2026 • 7:30 PM
February 13, 2026 • 7:30 PM
February 15, 2026 • 7:30 PM
February 20, 2026 • 7:30 PM
February 21, 2026 • 7:30 PM
February 22, 2026 • 3:00 PM
February 28, 2026 • 3:00 PM
March 01, 2026 • 3:00 PM
March 15, 2026 • 3:00 PM
March 26, 2026 • 7:30 PM
April 10, 2026 • 7:30 PM
April 25, 2026 • 7:30 PM
April 26, 2026 • 3:00 PM
Welcome to our 91st Season
Dear Friends,
It is with great excitement and gratitude that I welcome you to the 91st season with the Bach Festival Society. Each year, we gather in celebration of timeless music, powerful performances, and the unique connection between artist and audience that defines our community. This season promises to be no exception.
We have curated a rich and inspiring lineup that honors the genius of J.S. Bach while embracing the wider world his music continues to influence. From beloved masterworks to bold new interpretations, we invite you to join us in an exploration of music’s enduring ability to uplift, challenge, and connect us.
Whether you are a longtime supporter or a first-time guest, we are thrilled to have you with us. Your presence brings these performances to life, and your support allows us to continue our mission of artistic excellence, education, and community engagement.
Thank you for being part of the Bach Festival Society family. I look forward to sharing this remarkable season with you.
With much gratitude,
John V. Sinclair Artistic Director and Conductor
Photo credit: Mary Kent
DANIEL ADAM MALTZ, FORTEPIANO WITH BACH CHAMBER CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA
Sunday, October 19, 2025• 3:00 PM | Tiedtke Concert Hall
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra•
Daniel Adam Maltz, pianoforte•Caitlin Mohr, soprano
Experience the exquisite sound of history brought to life as internationally acclaimed fortepianist Daniel Adam Maltz returns by popular demand, performing on the instrument Mozart and Haydn themselves would have used. Joined by members of the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, Maltz leads a program of sacred masterpieces, operatic drama, and symphonic brilliance—all performed with authentic period style for a rare and moving encounter with the music of the Classical era. Tickets start at $25.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Artist
VOCTAVE: THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Saturday, October 25, 2025• 7:30 PM | Steinmetz Hall
Simply put, Voctave is one of the most electrifying forces in a cappella today. Based in Central Florida, this internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble has captured hearts around the globe with their breathtaking harmonies and creative flair.
Join Voctave as they return home for the official 10th Anniversary Concert—an unforgettable evening marking a decade of musical brilliance. This milestone performance features fan favorites, stunning arrangements, and highlights from their recent Japan tour, all delivered with the passion, precision, and signature sound that define Voctave. Celebrate ten extraordinary years with one of the world’s premier a cappella groups in the concert event of the season.
Tickets start at $30.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Artist
CARMINA BURANA & RHAPSODY IN BLUE
Sunday, November 2, 2025• 3:00 PM | Steinmetz Hall
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra• Bach Youth Choir, Rebecca Hammac, director• Clara Rottsolk, soprano• Patrick Muelheise, tenor• Brandon Hendrickson, baritone• Byeol Kim, piano
Few works ignite the stage like Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, a bold, rhythm-driven masterpiece that has captivated audiences since its explosive 1937 premiere. Paired with Gershwin’s groundbreaking Rhapsody in Blue, featuring award-winning pianist Byeol Kim, this unforgettable program celebrates two revolutionary works—each iconic in its own way and a testament to the power of music to move and inspire. Tickets start at $30.
Photo credit: Rich Johnson
RACHMANINOFF: VESPERS (ALL NIGHT VIGIL)
Friday, November 7, 2025• 7:30 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Vocal Artists
Step into a world of stillness, awe, and transcendent sound with Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, a profoundly moving a cappella masterpiece rooted in Russian Orthodox chant and enriched by lush harmonies. Sung in Church Slavonic by a handpicked ensemble of professional voices from across the nation, this performance invites you to experience the sacred through sound alone—transporting you to a place of peace, reflection, and reverence.
Tickets start at $20.
Photo credit: Jen Adams
A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS
Saturday, December 13, 2025• 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
Sunday, December 14, 2025• 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra•
Bach Youth Choir, Rebecca Hammac, director•Anna Eschbach, soprano• Samuel McKelton, tenor
Ring in the season with the program that captures hearts—and airwaves—across the country, featuring timeless classics, festive favorites, and the magic of the holidays brought to life by extraordinary performers. Whether it’s your first time or a treasured tradition, don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music and holiday spirit.
Be a part of the filming for a new national broadcast.
Tickets start at $30.
Photo credit: Scott Cook
AMERICANA: BARBER, BERNSTEIN, COPLAND
Friday, January 30, 2026• 7:30 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Vocal Artists
Join us for an evening where music meets meaning, as three masterworks explore humanity’s deepest questions through sound. Bernstein’s radiant Chichester Psalms and Copland’s bold In the Beginning together offer an unforgettable journey—from the awe of creation to the enduring search for peace.
Tickets start at $20.
Photo credit: Robert Greenberg
Photo credit: Gordon Parks
Photo credit: Erich Auerbach
91 ST ANNUAL BACH FESTIVAL
ORGAN RECITAL: COLIN MACKNIGHT
Friday, February 6, 2026• 7:30 PM |
Knowles Memorial Chapel
Colin MacKnight, organ
Hailed as “a stunning player of exceptional ability,” Colin MacKnight is one of today’s brightest rising stars in the organ world, known for his technical mastery and imaginative use of the instrument’s full color palette. A frequent winner of top international competitions and the holder of a Julliard doctorate, MacKnight brings a rare blend of scholarly insight and dazzling artistry to a program promising both brilliance and beauty.
This event is free and open to the public. No ticket or RSVP is needed.
VOCES8
Sunday, February 15, 2026• 7:30 PM |
Knowles Memorial Chapel
The acclaimed British vocal ensemble, VOCES8, renowned for breathtaking artistry, remarkable versatility, and unmatched precision, makes its highly anticipated debut at Knowles Memorial Chapel during the 91st Annual Bach Festival. Praised by Gramophone as “impeccable in quality of tone and balance,” their performances redefine ensemble singing with stunning clarity and expressive depth— don’t miss this rare chance to experience one of the world’s finest vocal ensembles live.
Tickets start at $25.
Photo credit: Andy Staples
Photo credit: Jiyang Chen
CONCERTOS BY CANDLELIGHT: GUILMANT, PAGANINI, RACHMANINOFF
Friday, February 20, 2026• 7:30 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
Saturday, February 21, 2026• 7:30 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Festival Orchestra
Byeol Kim, piano• Paul Jacobs, organ• Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez, violin
Experience the sweeping emotion of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 brought to life by Byeol Kim, followed by the sheer, technical brilliance of Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 2 “La Campanella”, featuring Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez. Completing the concert is Alexandre Guilmant’s powerfully majestic Symphony No. 1 for Organ with Paul Jacobs – three monumental works in one unforgettable evening bathed in candlelight.
Tickets start at $25.
AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT: HAYDN, MOZART, BEETHOVEN
Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 3:00 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra• David Bjelle, cello• Anna Eschbach, soprano• Morgan Peckels, mezzo-soprano• Brad Diamond, tenor• Stephen Mumbert, bass
Immerse yourself in an evening of iconic Classical-era works that shaped Western art, featuring Mozart’s Coronation Mass with its operatic drama and spiritual depth, and Haydn’s Cello
Concerto in C, showcasing vibrant virtuosity and elegant style. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, bursting with energetic rhythms and bold innovations, heralds the Romantic era. Together, these masterpieces offer a rich journey through the timeless beauty and evolving spirit of the Classical tradition.
Tickets start at $20.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Artist
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Artist
Photo credit: Claudio Papapietro
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Artist
Photo credit: Rich Johnson
FUOCO OBBLIGATO
Saturday, February 28, 2026• 3:00 PM | Tiedtke Concert Hall
Returning to the Bach Festival after their enchanting performance in the 89th season, Fuoco Obbligato brings their signature blend of intimacy, elegance, and expressive depth to Knowles Memorial Chapel. Founded by violinist Katharina Wolff—daughter of renowned Bach scholar Christoph Wolff—this Paris-based ensemble features rising stars from Opera Fuoco’s young artists program, offering a repertoire that spans Baroque cantatas and opera arias to 20th-century art and folk songs, masterfully exploring the dialogue between voice and obbligato instrument with emotion and intellect in performances that are immersive, refined, and deeply moving.
Tickets start at $25.
J.S. BACH: ST. JOHN PASSION
Sunday, March 1, 2026• 3:00 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra• Laura Choi Stuart, soprano• Amanda Crider, mezzo-soprano• Jacob Perry, tenor• Kevin Deas, bass• John Grau, Evangelist• Thaddaeus Bourne, Jesus
Experience Bach’s St. John Passion, the first of his four passions and a masterwork celebrated for its dramatic intensity and vivid storytelling. Filled with powerful musical depictions of the capture and crucifixion of Jesus, this compelling work offers a profound journey into the heart of one of history’s greatest composers—whether you’re a devoted Bach enthusiast or new to his genius.
Tickets start at $25.
END OF FESTIVAL
Photo credit: Bach Festival Society
LYSANDER PIANO TRIO
Sunday, March 15, 2026• 3:00 PM |
Tiedtke Concert Hall
Formed at the Juilliard School, the Trio takes its name from the poetic dreamer in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and has captivated audiences nationwide with performances at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Featuring violinist Itamar Zorman, pianist Liza Stepanova, and cellist James Kim, this dynamic ensemble crafts programs connecting beloved masterpieces and rare gems and are praised for their “…incredible ensemble, passionate playing, articulate and imaginative ideas and wide palette of colors. Performing with sensitivity, panache and emotional depth, the Lysander Trio’s enormous potential is on display.”— The Strad.
Tickets start at $25.
PASSION MUSIC FOR EARLY AMERICA WITH BACH VOCAL ARTISTS
Thursday, March 26, 2026• 7:30 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Vocal Artists• Bach Chamber Orchestra
Long before Bach and Beethoven became household names, Moravian communities were composing, preserving, and performing sacred music of extraordinary beauty and depth, weaving European classical traditions with humility, grace, and heartfelt faith. Discover the soulful Lenten anthems that once echoed from Herrnhut, Germany to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Join us for an evocative journey into the sacred sounds of Moravian music, inviting reverence, renewal, and timeless beauty.
Tickets start at $20.
Photo credit: Irina Rozovsky
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Artist
DUKE ELLINGTON: SACRED SERVICE
Friday, April 10, 2026• 7:30 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Chamber Choir• Jazz Big Band• Samuel McKelton, tenor
Composed between 1965 and 1973, Duke Ellington’s Sacred Service blends jazz, classical, gospel, and spiritual music into a powerful expression of faith, which Ellington called “the most important thing I have ever done.” Originally performed in churches and cathedrals, this extraordinary work features choir, soloists, and a jazz big band, offering a stirring musical experience that bridges sacred tradition and jazz innovation.
Tickets start at $20.
SILVER SCREEN CLASSICS
Saturday, April 25, 2026• 7:30 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
Sunday, April 26, 2026• 3:00 PM | Knowles Memorial Chapel
John V. Sinclair, conductor• Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra
Join the magnificent Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra for a captivating journey through the music of film—often hailed as today’s classical music—bringing your favorite movies to life with spectacular choral and orchestral performances. Celebrate the grand finale of a fabulous season with this unforgettable cinematic tribute.
Tickets start at $20.
Photo credit: Bach Festival Society
Photo credit: Jeff Albertson
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Artist
2ND ANNUAL NATIONAL ORATORIO COMPETITION
FEBRUARY 11 – 13, 2026
DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF ORATORIO
Join us for the 2nd Annual National Oratorio Competition, where emerging American singers have the opportunity to engage more deeply with oratorio literature under the guidance of renowned adjudicators.
MASTERCLASSES:
Wednesday, February 11 & Thursday, February 12 | Location TBD
Then, experience the Finals Concert, featuring breathtaking performances of iconic oratorio works as the finalists compete for the coveted title.
FINALS CONCERT:
Friday, February 13, 2026
7:30pm | Knowles Memorial Chapel
Masterclasses and concert are free and open to the public.
TICKETS & SUBSCRIPTIONS
Select your Full Season or Annual Festival subscription package for the best value!
Our New Seating Options
Subscribers may choose from Premium, Preferred, or Standard seating. Premium offers the most desirable locations and is the highest-priced tier. To view seating charts for all venues, please visit: bachfestivalflorida.org/subscriptions.
FULL SEASON SUBSCRIPTION
Save 20% off individual ticket prices. This package includes all 91st Season performances, plus both performances in Steinmetz Hall.
Premium: $936.00* (Compare at $1,170.00)
Preferred: $732.00* (Compare at $915.00)
Standard: $492.00* (Compare at $615.00)
ANNUAL FESTIVAL SUBSCRIPTION
Save 15% off individual ticket prices. Includes all 91st Annual Bach Festival performances,plus a 15% discount code for Steinmetz Hall performances.
Premium: $323.00* (Compare at $380.00)
Preferred: $255.00* (Compare at $300.00)
Standard: $170.00* (Compare at $200.00)
Won’t You Be Our Neighbor Program
When you purchase a Full Season or Annual Festival subscription, you’ll receive two complimentary tickets to the concert of your choice to share with family or friends. If you choose an Annual Festival subscription, these tickets can be used for any performance during the Festival (February 6–March 1).
For both Steinmetz Hall performances, a discount code for 15% off, as well as details on how to purchase tickets through the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, will be provided. Please contact us to learn more.
*All fees included. Comparisons reflect single ticket pricing.
MAILING ADDRESS:
Bach Festival Society of Winter Park 1000 Holt Ave. Box #2763 Winter Park, FL 32789
ACCESSIBILITY
The Bach Festival Society is committed to making its program accessible to audiences. Tiedtke Concert Hall and Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Rollins College campus in Winter Park have accessible entrances and parking options available, as does Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Please call 407-646-2182 for assistance.
Performance details are subject to change. To learn more, please visit BachFestivalFlorida.org/ticket-policy.
ABOUT BACH
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park’s mission is to inspire the human spirit through extraordinary music, featuring powerful choral performances and innovative programming that celebrates the legacy of J.S. Bach. The 91st Season will showcase a dynamic array of world-class instrumentalists and vocalists performing classical masterworks and contemporary compositions that will delight, challenge, and inspire listeners.
MUSIC-MAKING INITIATIVES
The renowned Bach Festival Choir is comprised of auditioned singers, enjoying weekly rehearsals and specializing in singing choral masterworks in partnership with the Bach Festival Orchestra.
The Young at Heart Chorale is a volunteer singing group for those 55+ years young. The group has weekly rehearsals and performs outreach concerts at local community centers.
The young musicians of the Bach Festival Youth Choirs will continue to refine their musicianship skills through weekly rehearsals and will be featured in performances with the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra throughout the season, along with outreach concerts in the community.
Photo credit: Sondra Jones
EDUCATION INITIATIVES
The Bach Festival Society’s Fresh StARTs program places professional musicians in elementary and secondary schools to present unique musical learning experiences. The Bach Vocal Artists offer educational outreach through open rehearsals and in-school visits.
The world-renowned musicians featured in the Bach Festival Society’s Visiting Artists Series often present master classes to students and patrons. These classes offer a unique perspective on the process of creating musical excellence.
Our popular High School Honors Choral Festival provides valuable workshop/clinic feedback from collegiate choral directors recruited from across the country. This festival helps prepare high school choirs for their annual Music Performance Assessments.
Bach Festival Society’s newest Educational program is the Choir of Distinction. Each year, Central FL choirs are invited to compete in a multi-phased audition process and adjudicated on tone, preparation and effect. Windermere High School’s Bell Cantoras, directed by Erin Scully Kolodinsky, and Lake Howell High School’s Silver Lining, directed by Elisael Serrano, have been named the 2025-2026 “Choirs of Distinction” by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. They will enjoy choral mentorship, invitations to Bach Festival Choir rehearsals and the opportunity to perform with the Bach Festival Orchestra.
Photo credit: Bach Festival Society
GIVE BACH
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park is an independent nonprofit organization that brings classical music experiences to delight, inform and inspire audiences of all ages. Your investment in the power of music will support the Society’s ongoing efforts on stage, in the classroom and across Central Florida.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Bach Festival Society. There are many ways you can “give Bach.” Thank you! BachFestivalFlorida.org/giving
DONATE
STOCK GIFTS
The Bach Festival Society gratefully accepts gifts of stock and distributions from retirement plans, subject to IRS guidelines. To ensure that the gift is received and acknowledged properly, please notify the Society of the pending transfer.
For more information, please contact Kathy Berlinsky at KBerlinsky@BachFestivalFlorida.org or call 407.691.1056.
SPONSORSHIPS
Learn more about program and featured artist sponsorships by contacting Kathy Berlinsky at KBerlinsky@BachFestivalFlorida.org or call 407.691.1056.
The EIN for the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park is 59-6015959.
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park’s State of Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act Registration Number is CH1655. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
International Recognition | Rigorous Rehearsals Challenging Repertoire
Since 1935, the Bach Festival Choir has been recognized by audiences and critics alike for its exceptional musicianship, national and international collaborations, and musical versatility within the classical genre. A cornerstone of the classical music tradition in the United States, the Winter Park Bach Choir is the longest continuously performing chorus in Central Florida and the third longest-running Bach Choir in the country.
Photo credit: Scott Cook
