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The Bach Society of Dayton is the region’s leading presenter of sacred and secular choral masterpieces, performing inspirational works by J.S. Bach and other classical and contemporary composers. The Bach Society of Dayton was established in 2002 as a successor organization to the former Dayton Bach Society after the latter’s demise. Seven chorus members were chosen to serve as trustees of the new organization. John Neely, Minister of Music at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, accepted the invitation to serve as Music Director. R. Alan Kimbrough continues as the accompanist. The ensemble presented its inaugural concert on December 8, 2002, featuring the Kettering Children's Choir as guest artists.
The Bach Society of Dayton is now a chorus of 54 singers dedicated to bringing the art of great choral singing to Dayton with a regular season of four concerts, augmented by collaboration for Special Events. The chorus’ repertoire spans seven centuries and includes presenting at least one major work each season such as W.A. Mozart’s Requiem and Grand Mass in C Minor, J.S. Bach's Magnificat (BWV 243), St. John Passion (BWV 245), and Mass in B Minor (BWV 232).
The Bach Society of Dayton has had four grants from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District (MCACD), as well as three from the Ohio Arts Council to support projects involving area young people and to commission and premiere a new choral work with brass and organ. The Bach Society Chorus are accompanied by professional soloists and instrumentalists. They frequently collaborate with guest vocalists, musicians of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Kettering Advent Ringers, Kettering Children’s Choir, Muse Machine, and outstanding high school and college ensembles.Recent collaborations include a 2006 performance with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Chamber Chorus presenting W.A. Mozart's arrangement of George Frideric Handel's Messiah, and a 2009 project with Gem City Ballet in a dance and vocal performance of J.S. Bach's Magnificat (BWV 243). This collaboration was made possible by a Miriam Rosenthal Trust Fund grant.
The Bach Society of Dayton's mission of is to carry on the rich tradition of choral performance at the highest level and to nurture younger singers to develop a passion for singing and an abiding appreciation for choral music. They actively cultivate young singers through ther Collaboration and Outreach efforts, which give singers throughout the Miami Valley the opportunity to perform at a professional level alongside the Bach Society of Dayton. |
