A History of the CBFS

In 1988 Susan Lyle and Christine Azad had a dream: ”to create in Western Canada a Bach Society with a Choir and Orchestra to perform works by the great master and his contemporaries”.

Today the project has achieved its goal and the Calgary Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra offers fine concerts and continues to bloom.

Over the years we had some premieres and important Festivals:

The International Bach Festival of June 15-18th 2000 co-produced with the Calgary International Organ Foundation was our most prestigious event. Maestro Sir Simon Preston lead the Calgary Bach Festival Choir & Orchestra along with the Christ Church Choir and Calgary Boys Choir in the masterly rendering of the St. Matthew Passion.

Another highlight was the CBFS Choir participation in dedicating the new Ahrend organ at the Rozsa Centre at the University of Calgary in September 2006.

The original concept of a 6 hours Bach fund-raising marathon was greatly appreciated by participants and audience for 18 years.

Several workshops for the choir and orchestra were offered, by Jeanne Lamon and Ivars Taurins’s from Tafelmusik among others.

Generous patrons supported the Society; we also received a harpsichord from member Jane Outcalt and baroque bows for our strings from an anonymous donor.

The CBFS is funded by CADA, AFA, Casino revenues, membership dues, and private donations. A quarterly newsletter keeps our members informed while a dedicated Board and Volunteers help the working of our Society.

The CBFS presents four annual events:

• An October Chamber Concert
• An Advent December Concert
• A February Children Concert
• A March Bach Birthday Concert

On April 26th 2009 invited singers joined the CBFS Choir and Orchestra to celebrate its 20th year anniversary with a presentation of the Mass in B Minor BWV 232 with conductor Len Ratzlaff.