The Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas Announces Inspiring 2025–2026 Season and New Nonprofit Status
Cincinnati, OH —The Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas is proud to announce its 2025–2026 season, marking an exciting new chapter in its mission to present profound and inspiring performances of the music of J. S. Bach and his musical heirs. This year’s season features seven Bach Vespers services and four ticketed concerts, all presented in the Ensemble’s signature style of historically informed performance.
The Ensemble also celebrates a major milestone this season: its establishment as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This new designation reflects the Ensemble’s growth over the past fifteen years and positions it for a vibrant and sustainable future, deepening its commitment to musical excellence and community engagement.
Now entering the second year of its Friday Night Concert Season, the Ensemble presents four dynamic performances, including chamber recitals, collaborations with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians, and a season finale featuring Bach’s monumental Easter Oratorio. Highlights include an October 24 recital with CSO musicians Evin Blomberg (violin) and Ilya Finkelshteyn (cello), featuring Bach’s beloved Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major; an An A Cappella Christmas with the premiere vocal ensemble Bachtet, offering a radiant evening of seasonal music; a March 20 recital with long-time collaborator and celebrated soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg with conductor and Baroque keyboard specialist Stephen Alltop.
The Ensemble’s Bach Vespers, offered monthly on Sunday evenings, continue to be offered free of charge, blending the liturgical beauty of evening prayer with masterworks of sacred music. Each Vespers will be preceded by a 30-minute organ recital from some of the finest players in our region.
“It’s hard to believe the Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas is beginning its 15th season of Vespers services, offering timeless music in a beautiful and sacred setting,” says Bach Ensemble Artistic Director Carlton Monroe. “This year, our Friday Night Concert Series will welcome the most talented artists in our city and beyond. From intimate chamber music to the grandeur of Bach’s Easter Oratorio, expect a season of artistry and spirituality like no other.”
For full season details, ticket information, and partnership opportunities, visit www.bachensemble.org
About the Bach Ensemble St. Thomas
The Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas enriches and inspires the musical life of the Cincinnati area through the performance of the music of J. S. Bach, his contemporaries, and musical heirs.
The BEST serves as ensemble-in-residence at St. Thomas Episcopal Church where it leads the monthly Bach Vespers, performing the cantatas of J. S. Bach in the context for which they are written. The ensemble’s musicians are some of the finest in the region, including many from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
The BEST is committed to historically informed performances of Bach’s music and artistic collaborations with other musical ensembles. The Bach Ensemble is under the artistic direction of its founder, Carlton Monroe.