CENTRAL CELEBRATES BACH IN SEPTEMBER

Noontime Organ Recitals Sept. 3, 10, and 17 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
“Bach at Leipzig” Sept. 13 | 7:00 pm
“Vivaldi on Fire” Sept. 19 | 7:00 pm

Johann Sebastian Bach was a devout Lutheran composer, deeply rooted in the traditions and theology of the Lutheran church. He viewed his music, both sacred and secular, to glorify God and refresh the spirit, often signing his works with “S.D.G.” (Soli Deo Gloria), meaning “Glory to God Alone”.

 

 

To commemorate the 275th anniversary of Bach’s death, Central Lutheran Church of Winona is hosting a series of performances throughout September centered around “Papa Bach”. The festival will include free noontime organ recitals, a play about Bach, and the return of the Bach Society of Minnesota.

NOONTIME ORGAN RECITALS
Last year’s Hendrickson Organ Recital Series was a resounding success among our community. As part of the festival, three exceptional organists will perform works by “Papa” Bach, his children, and compositions dedicated to Bach. On Wed. Sept. 3, Matt Gender, Director of Worship Arts at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, will perform the first of three noontime recitals. Central welcomes back John Stender from First Presbyterian in Rochester on Sept. 10. John was one of the Hendrickson recitalists and performed in last year’s Messiah Sing-In. Rounding out the recitals on Sept. 17, will be Daniel Lewis – Director of Music at St. Martin’s Church in Winona. Dan also performed last year. The recitals take place from noon to 1 p.m. and are free and open to all.

BACH AT LEIPZIG
In his play “Bach at Leipzig,” author Itamar Moses envisions the competition for the organist position at Leipzig’s Thomaskirche, featuring six musicians vying for the role. Bach does not appear in this farce about a job opening for an organist that ultimately was awarded to Bach himself – Yes, it’s a comedy!
Several of Bach’s organ works are included in the performance. A. Eric Heukeshoven, Central’s Director of Worship, Music & Arts, will be the organist. “Bach at Leipzig” takes place on Sat. Sept. 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for a “Pay What You Can” suggested price of $10 adults, $5 students and seniors.

BACH SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA
Concluding this remarkable celebration will be the return of the Bach Society of Minnesota. On Fri., Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. this outstanding chamber group will present “Vivaldi on Fire”. The concert features beguiling music by Antonio Vivaldi – the “Red Priest” – a mad genius of virtuosity, craziness, and boundless fun. How does Vivaldi fit into a Bach festival? Come to the concert and find out! General admission is $25, and students get in for only $5 – tickets available online and at the door. You won’t want to miss the festival finale! More info at: https://www.bachsocietymn.org/vivaldi-on-fire

For more information, please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven, Director of Worship, Music & Arts at 507-474-7144 or aeheukeshoven@centrallutheranchurch.org

 

Eric Heukeshoven is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.