It is a great honour to introduce the 2nd edition of the Montreal Bach Festival. During the first edition we combined education, research and performance. The Bach-Académie de Montréal is proud to have remained loyal to its original concept and we look ahead to this year's outstanding performances, rich master classes and a stimulating symposium.
Once again we are thrilled to partner with world class Canadian talent such as Arion, les Violons du Roy and the Studio de musique ancienne. It is a privilege that the orchestre symphonique de Montréal will present J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio as the closing concert of the Festival. We are indebted to Kent Nagano for partnering with us in this way.
The Bach-Académie de Montréal has invited some stellar international guests this year. Il Gardellino from Belgium and moderntimes_1800 from Austria are original and refreshing talents from Europe. We are eager to hear the performances of international soloists such as Martin Stadtfeld and Andreas Martin, among others.
This year's festival program is a confirmation of the philosophy of the Bach-Académie de Montréal. Whether the music is played on original or modern instruments, whether heard on a harpsichord or saxophone, the caliber of performance and the passion of the musicians is without a doubt our most important priority.
We are very honoured that Ton Koopman will be patron of the Montreal Bach Festival 2007. He symbolizes the highest artistic quality and integrity both in his homeland, the Netherlands, and around the world. It is our goal that the attributes he represents will one day become our own.
I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone responsible for making the 2nd edition of the Montreal Bach Festival possible. Without them this Festival would simply not exist. Special thanks go to the Board of Directors, the Board of Governors and the Gala Committee who have worked so hard towards the success of the Festival. I must especially thank Sabine Pletat, our General Manager, who once again worked tirelessly to make this festival happen.
On behalf of the Bach-Académie de Montréal I welcome you all to this Festival and wish you an exciting musical experience.
Dr. Alexandra Scheibler
President and Executive Director
Welcome note from the German Consulate
Following on the great success of the first Montreal Bach Festival in 2005, the Bach-Académie de Montréal offers this year the festival's second edition. Once again, the Bach-Académie and its dynamic team - with the support of the City of Montreal and prominent business partners - have invited soloists and ensembles of international reputation, thus assuring from the outset the success of the 2007 Bach Festival.
The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany is proud to lend its support to this most excellent enterprise, which is already establishing an enviable position among Montreal's cultural activities.
Best wishes for a wonderful Montreal Bach Festival, with its promise of so many unforgettable concerts devoted to that great German composer who now belongs to all of humanity - Johann Sebastian Bach.
Jörg Metger
Consul General
Welcome from the Mayor
The Montreal Bach Festival is a unique experience where artists and scholars from around the world gather to celebrate baroque music and the work of Johann Sebastian Bach. We are delighted to have this festival in our city.
I would like to salute the Bach-Académie de Montréal and its president, musicologist Alexandra Scheibler, for the initiative to organize the second edition of the Montreal Bach Festival, taking place in December 2007, and for their effort to invite renowned ensembles like Il Gardellino from Belgium, Martin Stadtfeld (piano) from Germany and moderntimes_1800 from Austria to come to Montreal and perform with outstanding Montreal ensembles and artists, such as the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, under the direction of Kent Nagano, L'Ensemble Arion, the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal and Les Violons du Roy.
The Montreal Bach Festival is a must-see event for Bach lovers and classical music aficionados from across North America. The City of Montreal is particularly proud to support this festival.
Gérald Tremblay
Mayor of Montréal
Major Partners
The concerts and activities offered by the Bach-Académie de Montréal are made possible through the generous support of its major sponsors. We would like to thank them most sincerely.
We would like to thank our associate sponsors, for supporting unforgettable individual events.
