The Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas has announced its 2025-2026 season, which will include four concerts, seven free Bach Vespers services and – for the first time – operation as an independent nonprofit.
The upcoming season includes four Friday evening concerts, part of the Ensemble’s second Friday Night Concert Season. The series begins Oct. 24 with a chamber recital featuring Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians Evin Blomberg (violin) and Ilya Finkelshteyn (cello), performing works including Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major.”
Other highlights include “An A Cappella Christmas” concert with guest vocal group Bachtet, and a March 20 recital with soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg as well as conductor and Baroque keyboard specialist Stephen Alltop. The season will close with a full performance of Bach’s “Easter Oratorio.”
“This year, our Friday Night Concert Series will welcome the most talented artists in our city and beyond,” said Artistic Director Carlton Monroe. “From intimate chamber music to the grandeur of Bach’s ‘Easter Oratorio,’ expect a season of artistry and spirituality like no other.”
The ensemble’s free Bach Vespers services will continue monthly on Sunday evenings at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Terrace Park. Each service blends evening prayer with sacred music and is preceded by a 30-minute organ recital by local performers.
Full season details and ticket information are available at www.bachensemble.org.
“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,” Monroe said.
Entering its nonprofit era
This season also marks a major milestone for the group as it adopts a new 501(c)(3) designation. Organizers say the new nonprofit status provides a stronger foundation for the organization’s future.
Despite the change in structure, the group will continue its long-standing artistic focus on performing the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his musical heirs. The Bach Ensemble will remain in residence at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and will keep featuring musicians from across the region, including members of the CSO.
“This new designation reflects the Ensemble’s growth… and positions it for a vibrant and sustainable future, deepening its commitment to musical excellence and community engagement,” the group announced in a statement.
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