Victoria Bach Fest set June 15-20

The Victoria Bach Festival returns June 15-20 to the Coastal Bend community of Victoria with a varied and compelling program of classical music and more at several city venues. Concerts include classical guitarist Paul Galbraith, Grammy®-winning gospel vocalist Cynthia Clawson, Bach and Vivaldi violin concertos and Eric Clapton songs performed on the harpsichord by artistic director Craig Hella Johnson. The week culminates in a performance Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem with a combined orchestra and chorus of 280 musicians led by conductor Craig Hella Johnson.

The 2008 Victoria Bach Festival season sponsor is First Victoria, and the presenting sponsor is the Victoria Advocate.

"2008 is a year for drama at the Victoria Bach Festival," said Craig Hella Johnson, Artistic Director and conductor of the VBF Orchestra. "Every concert tells a vivid story, from the compelling rhythms of the Bach concertos to the father/ son drama of Abraham and Issac; from composer Bedfiich Smetana's setting of his life story in a string quartet to the soaring voices of the Festival finale: Verdi's Requiem.

"The quality of our orchestra, chorus, and guest artists is extraordinary this year," Managing Director Nina Di Leo said. "Classical guitarist Paul Galbraith is a legend in classical guitar circles for his innovative techniques, skill, and depth of feeling. Our Verdi soloists have performed major roles with the Metropolitan and Lyric Operas, and the amazing stage presence of Grammy®- winning vocalist Cynthia Clawson is always a delight. The chamber music concerts feature festival favorites such as pianist Melissa Marse, soprano Melissa Givens, and violinist Stephen Redfield. Every concert is a little gem!"

The festival offers a substantial number of free public concerts over the course of the week, including a children's concert on Thursday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Victoria Public Library.

Tickets for festival concerts are now available at the Bach Festival offices, 1801 N. Laurent (361-570-5788) or the Cultural Council of Victoria, 214 N. Main (572-ARTS). Individual concert tickets range from $20-$30 for adults, $15- $25 for seniors (60 and older), and $10-$20 for students (18 and younger).

Music students under 21 are admitted free to all festival concerts.

For full schedule and to purchase tickets online, go to www.victoriabachfestival.org.