(January) For seven years the American Bach Festival brought a series of sublime Bach cantatas to the greater Phoenix area. Now, as the Arizona Bach Festival, the week-long event continues to bring the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, some of the finest music ever written, to the Valley of the Sun.
The Bach Festival Orchestra, held in January, when the average daily high for Phoenix is a balmy 67 degrees, draws in world-class soloists to perform various of the Baroque master’s greatest works. The festival includes solo concerts, chamber concerts, and often a large work at the close of the festival, performed in several churches in Phoenix. Festival passes are a reasonable $90, but if you are unable to make all the events, single tickets are a very reasonable alternative.
Arizona Bach Festival Information
- Venues: Central United Methodist Church (1875 North Central Avenue); All Saints’ Episcopal Church (6300 North Central Avenue); Camelback Bible Church (3900 East Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley); and more
- Public Transportation: Depends on venue, but good for most
- Handicapped Accessible: Depends on venue
- Performance/Programs: 5–6 events during the festival including concerts and movie screenings
- Tickets: Single tickets $20–$35. Festival passes: $90; Seniors/Student $75
- Membership/Donors: Chorale (up to $249); Sonata Society ($250–$999); Cantata Circle ($1,000–$4,999); Oratorio Order ($5,000–$9,999); Passion ($10,000+). Depending on level, donors receive complimentary season tickets.
