Bach Society of Minnesota

BACH SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA

“Bach’s music is the promise of a profound experience that carries us to beautiful and unforeseen places."

—Matthias Maute, Bach Society of Minnesota Artistic Director

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WHO WE ARE

The Bach Society of Minnesota (BSM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and was one of the first organizations on this continent to take the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach as an exclusive starting point for world-class performances. 

Founded in 1932, BSM still focuses on the glorious vocal and instrumental music of J.S. Bach and those he inspired. Today, under the artistic direction of Matthias Maute, the organization continues its commitment to high-caliber performances with period instruments and historical performance practices that communicate the depths and passions of Bach’s compositions. 

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Bach Society of Minnesota is to build a diverse community of music lovers who perform, promote, and appreciate the music of J.S. Bach and those he inspired.

OUR HISTORY

The Bach Society of Minnesota was formed in 1932 at the University of Minnesota when a group of students asked Professor Donald Ferguson to lead an organization that would give them the opportunity to sing Johann Sebastian Bach’s music. After many years under Professor Ferguson’s direction, the Society was headed by Professor David La Berge, then Henry Charles Smith (former Associate Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra), Paul Oakley in the 1990s, followed by Rod Kettlewell, Myles Hernandez, and Thomas Lancaster.

Paul Boehnke led the Bach Society from 2007-2016, continuing a tradition of fine music-making and community building around the music of J.S. Bach. In May 2016, with Boehnke’s retirement, the internationally renowned Matthias Maute was chosen to lead the organization.