The JUNIOR BACH FESTIVAL was founded in Berkeley, California in 1953. The Festival promotes the appreciation and performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s music by presenting annually a series of concerts showcasing young musicians under age 21. Selected by audition, the performers are among the finest talent in Northern California. The festival is held in March, usually around Bach’s birthday, the 21st. In 2019, there will be 12 concerts in venues throughout the Bay Area. The Festival has enthusiastically participated in Bach in the Subways since 2017. Since the mid-1980’s, the Festival Association has also sponsored annual workshops focusing on topics such as baroque performance practice and the relation of dance to Bach’s music. A school outreach program was initiated in 1990.
Throughout the years many Junior Bach alumni have pursued careers in music, teaching and performing locally or in concert halls nationwide and worldwide. Their success indicates that the educational efforts of our organization for over 50 years have been indeed worthwhile.
The Junior Bach Festival Association staffing includes volunteers, an elected Board, and an appointed Music Director. Hard work and financial contributions enable our organization to continue its efforts to enrich the musical lives of young people.

The young guitarists from the Suzuki Academy will play a couple of Sinfonias as a group, and then each will play a solo.

Selections from Bach’s sonatas, trio sonatas, and cantatas.

Performance featuring Bach chorale settings for SATB choir, and organ settings from the Neumeister Collection