The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh: February Member Organization Spotlight
Pittsburgh knows the value of a choir (after all, 1 in 6 adults participate in one). But what happens when they can no longer harmonize in person? We sat down with the Bach Choir to learn how a musical ensemble can survive and thrive.
The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh (BCP) was founded in 1934 to perform works of Johann Sebastian Bach exclusively. Under the leadership of Conductor and Artistic Director Thomas W. Douglas, the choir continues to evolve from a narrowly focused ensemble to a larger, more inclusive choir that performs major choral works by composers from the Renaissance through the present.
How would you describe the Bach Choir to those that are unfamiliar?
The Choir is so much more than just the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. It consists of approximately 80 professional and volunteer members. It is an eclectic group of dedicated vocalists from a broad range of professions and walks of life. That diversity is represented and celebrated in the styles and genres of music that we perform.
We’d describe ourselves as contemporary, classical, and captivating. The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh is dedicated to inspiring the highest levels of artistic excellence amongst its members and to building enthusiasm for choral performance in audiences across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. We do this through the bold leadership of our Artistic Director, Thomas W. Douglas, our annual season of concerts presented in a variety of interesting and historic settings, communication with our loyal audiences, and outreach to new audiences.
How did 2020 impact the Bach Choir?
The global pandemic that began in 2020 challenged many organizations in ways never experienced before. Adapting to these conditions was especially trying for an organization that relies on vocalists gathering weekly for rehearsals and audiences gathering in large numbers for performances. Under the sustained artistic direction of Thomas Douglas, members of the Bach Choir showed tremendous dedication in their will to persevere and to continue to sing together, even if that meant doing so virtually and from a distance. The Choir even banded together to raise funds in support of those who had experienced job loss and financial hardship due to COVID-19. Though operating from a distance, the experience brought the choir members closer by offering a new way to communicate and a glimpse into each other’s personal lives.
What is your biggest hope for the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh? In what ways would you like to see it grow and change?
It is our hope that the arts will come roaring back once the pandemic has passed, and that the Bach Choir will be an active part of that vibrant cultural landscape. One of our greatest desires is for the artistic vision of the Choir to continue to be more and more fully realized year after year. There are many creative projects waiting to be shared that require financial support. We hope that our performances will attract the support necessary to bring such projects to Pittsburgh audiences. With this, we hope to continue expanding the Bach Choir audience.
Can you give us a peek into your programming?
The pandemic conditions of 2020 and 2021 have challenged us to develop new ways to manifest our mission while putting the health and safety of our choir and patrons first.
The Bach Choir has creatively adapted to keep both choir members and audiences engaged throughout the 2020-21 season through a series of virtual activities, approximately one per month from September to May, plus a bi-weekly video blog. The Bach Choir’s 87th season includes:
- Tuesdays with Thomas: 10-15 minute bi-weekly videos with Thomas Douglas, including archive performances, interviews, and commentary. View past Tuesdays with Thomas here.
- Virtual Summer Sing 2020: Held in July/August 2020 for all singers interested in participating in a virtual choir experience. You can still listen to Summer Sing 2020 online. The repertoire was Freedom's Plow by Rollo Dilworth.
- BCP Virtual Choir Series: Three virtual choir events featuring members of the Bach Choir, each including a Zoom masterclass, two Zoom rehearsals, and a launch event, including a holiday event that launched in December, featuring "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" arranged by Gustav Holtz, the world premiere of "Shout Joy!" in March 2021, and a concert of varied solos by members of the Bach Choir this May.
- BCP Presentation Series: Three archive performances presented online and enhanced with commentary, interviews, and archive video and photography. The series included "Smoke and Steel" by Nancy Galbraith in October 2020 and will include "Carmina Burana Africana" by Carl Orff in February 2021. The Bach Choir's acclaimed concert of Langston Hughes' poetry set to music was recently aired on WQED 89.3 FM.
How can we best support the Bach Choir?
Many of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh’s current virtual offerings are free to enjoy online. Patrons can visit our website and, with a few clicks, appreciate the performances from the comfort of home. 2020 also saw the creation of an online shop, with proceeds benefiting the Bach Choir mission. Donations are always deeply appreciated and can be made through our website at any time. Any contribution, no matter how large or small, makes a tremendous impact, especially during a time in which we are operating without traditional ticket sales.
We are very grateful to The Heinz Endowments for their support, sustaining the Bach Choir in presenting virtual programming until we can perform in person again. It’s a great feeling to be appreciated in such a way in our own city, for it is Pittsburgh that we serve.