Experience the majesty and magic of classical music at the 2009 Bach Festival. From July 17th to August 1st, music lovers across the Monterey Peninsula can enjoy a host of performances by international artists and performers. Through a series of concerts, recitals, master classes, lectures, open rehearsals and educational and outreach programs, the annual Bach Festival showcases world-class classical music from renowned professionals. The festival takes place in Carmel, but concerts run from a list of venues across the area in Carmel, Pebble Beach, Monterey, Seaside, Salinas and Stanford. Since 1935, this Carmel festival has been serving the classical music community, and this year’s festival promises to continue the tradition and legacy with unparalleled performances.

Under the direction of conductors Bruno Weil and Andrew Megill, the Carmel Bach Festival will boast a broad and beautiful selection of classical pieces from the world’s most renowned composers. Also, since this year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mendelssohn and the death of Haydn, the festival will honor both of these magnificent composers. Visitors will find pieces like Haydn’s “The Creation,” Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-Flat Major and more featured in the main concerts. Additionally, selections from composers like Verdi, Schubert, Vivaldi, Purcell, Mozart and Marcello will be performed.

The Carmel Bach Festival serves a community of classical music lovers and performers, and the 2009 season is set to continue this deep history. The power of music to nurture the soul is profound, and this classical music festival pulls at the heartstrings of all those involved. From candle-lit Baroque pieces to full orchestral performances, the Festival offers three weeks of world-class performances suiting a range of classical tastes. Housed in two stunning venues, from the Sunset Center and the Carmel Mission Basilica, the 2009 Carmel Bach Festival is a once-in-a-year event that could be the experience of a lifetime.

Main Concerts

• July 17th Opening Night, July 24th and July 31st | 8pm | Sunset Center Theater
• Bruno Weil conductor; Festival Orchestra, Chorale and Soloists

• July 18th and July 25th | 8pm | Sunset Center Theater
• Bruno Weil conductor; David Breitman, piano; Festival Orchestra

• July 19th and July 26th | 2:30pm | Sunset Center Theater
• Bruno Weil conductor; Festival Orchestra, Chorale, Chorus and Soloists

• July 20th and July 27th | 8pm | Sunset Center Theater
• Elizabeth Wallfisch, concertmaster and director; Members of the Festival Orchestra

• July 21st and July 28th | 8pm | Sunset Center Theater
• Bruno Weil, conductor; David Gordon, narrator; Festival Orchestra, Chorale, Youth Chorus and Soloists

• July 22nd and July 29th | 8pm | Carmel Mission Basilica
• Andrew Megill, conductor; Festival Chorale, Members of the Festival Orchestra

• July 23rd and July 30th | 8pm | Sunset Center Theater
• Andrew Arthur, director;
• Members of the Festival Orchestra; Soloists: Evan Few, Edwin Huizinga, Emlyn Ngai, and Gabrielle Wunsch

View more Carmel Bach Festival Events & Community Concerts