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Baroque Artists of Champaigne-Urbana (Vocal & Instrumental Ensemble) |
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Funded: 1996 - Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, USA |
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The Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois (= BACH) was founded by Chester L. Alwes as a project-based professional ensemble in 1996 for teaching, learning, and performing music of the Baroque era. Now a thriving nonprofit community organization, BACH is proud of the diverse range of its repertoire - from its roots in Baroque music to today’s most exciting new works by living composers. Today’s audiences enjoy programs featuring both Baroque masterpieces and leading works from across the entire choral repertoire.
It is a true community enterprise, welcoming experienced singers from the community, university, and surrounding areas, as well as the support of committed volunteers. BACH was named "Chamber Ensemble of the Year 2000" by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. It receives support from the Illinois Arts Council, as well as many generous local donors - individual and corporate. |
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Music Directors: |
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Chester L. Alwes (1996-2017)
Joseph Baldwin (2017-2021)
Sarah Riskind (2021-Present) |
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BACH performs exceptional choral music to create culturally vibrant experiences, cultivate musicianship, and foster community. - BACH Mission Statement
"Hence it was a special treat to see the labors of love expended upon [ J.S. Bach’s Weihnachts-Oratorium BWV 248, 1998]…and the impressive array of vocal and instrumental talent which goes under the name of BACH … delivered with magnificently buoyant energy … (and) remarkable skill." - John Frayne, The News-Gazette
"All the elements of this performance [of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, 1999] added significantly to the wonderful overall effect. The...choir sang with superb discipline...It is easy to become jaundiced by performances of this most popular of classical compositions, but there are always new insights to be gained from this marvelous work, especially in a performance as fresh and lively as that Sunday." - John Frayne, The News-Gazette |
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Sources:
Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana Website & Facebook page
Photo 05: Ben Joseph Lash; Photo 06: Ron Lavaire with EKB Photography
Bits & pieces from other sources
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (November 2025) |
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Sarah Riskind : Short Biography | Ensembles: Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana
Bach Discography: Recordings of Vocal Works |
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Links to other Sites |
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Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana (Official Website)
Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana on Facebook |
