Date: 7 February 2024

The Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ Presents the Bach Birthday Bash with James Kennerley

PORTLAND, Maine - On Friday, March 22 at 7 PM, join Portland's renowned Municipal Organist James Kennerley in commemorating the birthday of legendary composer Johann Sebastian Bach. As an esteemed conductor, organist, composer, and internationally respected Bach scholar, Kennerley will explore Bach's prodigious works, including virtuosic solos played with foot pedals that would be a challenge for most musicians on the keyboard alone. This performance will take audience members beyond foundational Bach organ works and incorporate the sounds of strings, reed stops, and percussion found in orchestral transcriptions in ways only the symphonic Kotzschmar Organ can.

As part of the program, Kennerly will present a glimpse into the domestic life of the Bach family, with small character pieces such as marches, gavottes, musettes, and arias, which will be heard in a new transcription for organ by James Kennerley. The concert is rounded out by the massive Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542. With this enlightening performance in Portland, both novices and Bach aficionados are in for a treat. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the genius of J.S. Bach performed by one of the world's top musicians on one of the most incredible instruments in existence - The Kotzschmar Organ.

Contact: Sophie Bray

Administrative Director

Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ

Email: assistant@foko.org

Phone: (207) 553-4363