The Bach Society of Saint Louis is an organization dedicated to performing choral works by Johann Sebastian Bach and other classical and contemporary composers. Under the direction of Dr. A. Dennis Sparger, the Society delivers a varied and exciting season to an ever more diverse public.
When was the Bach Society established?
The distinguished history of the Bach Society began in 1941, when Dr. William Heyne determined to offer the people of St. Louis the opportunity to perform and hear the great music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Since that date, the Society has carried out its mission without interruption, and is St. Louis' oldest continuous choral society.
What is the mission of the Bach Society?
To perform the choral music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers in a wide range of concerts, educational, and outreach programs designed to educate, entertain, and enrich the lives of the people in the St. Louis region.
Who oversees the management of the Bach Society?
The Bach Society is governed by a volunteer board whose wide range of useful business, professional, musical, and volunteer expertise make possible the financial stability and artistic achievements of the Society. The Board has in place Long Range, Diversity and Marketing Plans, and a policy for the growing Endowment Fund. The Society is proud that 100% of its Board members make a substantial financial contribution each year and those Board members are largely responsible for the financial success of fundraising events.
How does the Bach Society benefit the community?
Besides presenting five major public concert performances as well as several special appearances annually, at handicap accessible locations, the Bach Society of Saint Louis provides:
· Free concert tickets to underserved, high school and college students through our Education and Outreach Program, GIVING BACH TO ST. LOUIS.
· Continuing education to audiences through program notes and informative articles in its newsletter, Bach Talk.
· Financial assistance and performance experiences for aspiring soloists through our Young Artists Awards scholarship program.
· St. Louis Sings, an annual St. Louis Choral Calendar of over 30 area choruses and 120 choral concerts, available on our website and printed and mailed to area high schools and universities.
· A collaborative appearance for a children's choir every year as part of the Society's Christmas Candlelight Concert.
· Community exposure to outstanding soloists from around the country.
· Supplemental income and professional experience for trained choral singers, soloists, orchestral musicians and freelance instrumentalists.
How is the Bach Society funded?
The Society's current operating budget of approximately $315,000 is funded by the following sources:
Click here to join the many others who support the Bach Society's mission to enrich the cultural life of the St. Louis region.
How is the Bach Society's funding put to work?
Nearly 30% of the Bach Society's financial resources fund the chorus with another 20% spent on orchestral accompaniment and soloists and 10% related to concert venue and material costs. The balance of expenditures between general office and program marketing costs represents approximately 40% of total funding.
You can view the Bach Society of Saint Louis' latest federal, IRS Form 990 tax filing here.
