Boulder Bach Festival

The Boulder Bach Festival is an annual music festival held in Boulder, Colorado, known for its diverse repertoire spanning across the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. Founded in 1981, the festival has evolved significantly over time, expanding its musical offerings and community engagement beyond its initial focus solely on Johann Sebastian Bach's music.

History and evolution
Originally conceived as a festival centered around Johann Sebastian Bach's music, the Boulder Bach Festival commenced in 1981, presenting primarily instrumental and choral works of the celebrated composer during weekends near Bach's March 21 birthday. Under the stewardship of Zachary Carrettin, who assumed the role of the festival's music director in 2013-14, the event has significantly expanded its offerings and programming. From its earlier iterations featuring Bach-centric weekends, the festival has now grown into a multifaceted musical celebration, presenting a diverse range of concerts encompassing Baroque, Classical, and Romantic compositions.

Artistic offerings and concerts
The festival's concert lineup has broadened to include a variety of musical genres and eras. While Bach's music remains a central focus, the repertoire has expanded to incorporate works by composers such as Brahms, Haydn, Chopin, Mozart, Stravinsky, Part, Schnittke, and Bloch. Performances have showcased a mix of period instruments and modern adaptations, embracing historic practices to evoke the soundscapes of past eras.

Outreach and educational initiatives
The Boulder Bach Festival actively engages in community-driven programs, conducting over 40 concerts annually in hospitals, schools, retirement homes, libraries, and museums, offering these events free of charge. The festival's commitment to education extends to its Fellowship Artist Initiative, a two-year program providing mentorship and period instruments to young musicians embarking on their professional careers.