As the holidays draw near and the calendar year comes to a close, University Christian Church is celebrating by bringing the music “Bach”. The UCC Bach-a-thon will be held next Friday, Nov. 11, at UCC.
The event will feature music of famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who created many famous and recognizable classical works. Bach-a-thon was organized by the UCC music department to raise funds for the church’s music program. UCC’s music program supports many musical groups, such as the UCC Ringers, the UCC Chancel Choir, and the UCC Whitechapel Handbell Choir.
“It’s a celebration of Bach,” said Kyla Rosenberger, head organist and performer of the Bach-A-Thon. “It’s just a chance to come celebrate one of the greatest composers who ever lived – he is [arguably] on par with Shakespeare [in terms of] writing.”
Bach-A-Thon marks the end of the Bell Tower Series, which is UCC’s annual slate of concerts. The event has invited more than thirty separate acts to perform, from cities such as Arlington, Richardson and Dallas, as well as local acts in Fort Worth. The festival will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Nov. 11, and continues with a marathon concert beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. The program is scheduled to conclude at 8 p.m. The festival will have performances on piano, harpsichord, solo voice and choir, and brass instruments and will conclude with a Saturday evening feature performance led by Dr. Jonathan Moyer, director of music from the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, Ohio.
Moyer will be playing an historic Bach concert that was given by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840, to help raise money for a statue of Bach at a school in Liepzig during that time period, Rosenberger explained.
“It is a very famous concert, because he made Bach popular again. It will be interesting to hear that concert recreated today, on our pipe organ.”
Music may be the main feature, but there will be more to enjoy at the two-day festival. UCC will also highlight a “Bach Boutique”, selling musical items featuring the famous composer. The festival will have a café that will sell things such as “Bach-lava” and coffee.
“Bach’s music is very beautiful, but it’s also very fun,” Rosenberger said. “The fast movements are extremely fun.” While the event will focus on classical music,
Rosenberger insists that this will not be a “stuffy” concert, but more of a community event.
“We are doing it partly to give area university students and faculty a chance to come together,” Rosenberger added. “We just want people to come enjoy themselves, and appreciate great music.”
Tickets are $10 for general admission, and $5 for students. A complete schedule of performances and performers is available at www.universitychristian.org
