Whittier College News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Whittier College
Office of Public Relations
Phone: 562.907.4912 or 562.907.4277

70th Annual Whittier College Bach Festival Gets Underway

WHITTIER, CA (MARCH 9, 2007) – The sounds of Johann Sebastian Bach return with a weeklong celebration of the German’s music. Concerts will take place at a variety of venues and will feature performances by students and professional musicians. (562) 907-4237.

Bach Keyboard Music, David Rubinstein, Piano, Sunday, March 18, 2007, 4 p.m., Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, 13406 Philadelphia St. $10. $5 students. (562) 907-4203.
Bach Musicale, Student performances of music by Bach and his contemporaries, Friday, March 23, noon, Memorial Chapel, 13439 Philadelphia St. Free.
Mass in b minor, Chorale Bel Canto and orchestra, conducted by Stephen Gothold, Sunday, March 25, 4 p.m., Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, 13406 Philadelphia St. $25. $20 seniors. $5 students. (562) 907-4203.
Bach Chamber Music Concert, faculty and guest performances of music by Bach and other composers featuring Whittier Music Teachers Association Bach Competition winners, Tuesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Chapel, 13439 Philadelphia St. $10. $5 students.
Bach Lecture and Cantata 68, Clorinda Donato, Raymond Erickson, Vocé with Stephen Cook as conductor, Wednesday, March 28, 7:30 p.m., Arnold Hall and Memorial Chapel. Free.

The Whittier College Bach Festival was founded in 1937 by Margaretha Lohmann, the dean of the music department and is the oldest collegiate Bach festival west of the Mississippi. The first concert took place on May 14, 1938 and included performances of Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light, Jesus, Priceless Treasure and A Firm Fortress Is Our God.

Many compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries have been presented by Whittier College students, faculty and guest artists. Past performers have included: Ruth Haroldson, LuRuth Anderson, Danilo Lozano, Joseph Sundstrom and Jeanette Wong.

Founded by Quakers in 1887, Whittier College is an independent, four-year college offering a traditional liberal arts program integrated with both professional and pre-professional courses of study. With an emphasis on diversity, community, and curricular innovation, the College’s primary mission is to endow students with the education, skills, and values appropriate for global leadership and service. Whittier College is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

Whittier Law School, which is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools, is located on a separate campus in Orange County.