Bach Talk

The conversation continues with internationally acclaimed soprano Christine Brewer! She’s sharing more stories from behind the curtain, including the reality of on-stage mishaps, her perspectives on teaching young artists and how our life experiences shape the way music is both performed and felt. With many accolades including a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, she is a true star in every sense. But it’s her humility and kindnes...

Grammy Award-winning soprano Christine Brewer takes us on a journey from her roots in Southern Illinois to commanding the stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses and concert halls. Join Ron Klemm and A. Dennis Sparger on Bach Talk as they chat about her influences, her commitment to storytelling and the role family plays in her career.

View the Bach Talk Show Notes here. Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis...

Listen in as Bach Talk host Ron Klemm chats with tenor Gene Stenger about life on stage including his experiences with The Bach Society of Saint Louis. Gene shares stories from his musical upbringing, career highlights and a lighthearted anecdote about how his cat allergy almost disrupted a performance. Plus, enjoy featured samples of Gene’s performances throughout the episode! View the Bach Talk Show Notes here. Learn more about...

Since 1951, The Bach Society of Saint Louis’ annual Christmas Candlelight Concert has drawn nearly a quarter of a million attendees, becoming a cherished holiday tradition. In this episode of Bach Talk, host Ron Klemm sits down with Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger to share lively stories, over a dozen musical samplings, and what makes this concert magical. Plus, enjoy a heartfelt holiday message from the chorus to ca...

Join us for an exciting conversation with The Bach Society of Saint Louis' Principal Cellist, Ken Kulosa! Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger sit down with Ken as he shares his unexpected journey from aspiring doctor to cellist. Get a behind-the-scenes look at his experiences navigating the complexities of Bach’s music, the challenges of playing the viola da gamba and the passion that drives ...

What makes up the "essential Bach?" Lifelong music educator, scholar and author Calvin R. Stapert joins host Ron Klemm to share his unique perspective on J.S. Bach’s unparalleled expressions of faith through music. The Bach Society of Saint Louis Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger adds to the conversation, as they explore Bach’s deep spiritual connection and how it shaped his compositions.

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Melissa Payton’s journey with The Bach Society of Saint Louis began in 2004 as a Soprano Young Artist. Today, she serves as Executive Director and continues to sing in the Chorus as a Principal Singer. Join Bach Talk host Ron Klemm as they explore Melissa’s musical journey, her role within the organization and what makes The Bach Society so special. View the Bach Talk Show Notes here. Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Lo...

Bach Talk is back for Season 2! Get to know the vibrant community that keeps Bach's music alive, presented by The Bach Society of Saint Louis. Tune in monthly for new episodes featuring in-depth profiles and untold stories. What exactly is a countertenor? Join host Ron Klemm as he explores this unique voice type with one of the finest in the field, Kansas City-based Jay Carter. In this episode, Jay shares his experiences and the c...

Sandra Geary might not crave the limelight, but her role as accompanist is critical to The Bach Society of Saint Louis. Originally from Cork, Ireland, she came to St. Louis to study at the Saint Louis Conservatory of Music and has been here ever since. Host Ron Klemm and Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger sat down with Sandra to hear all about her passion for music, her role as an educator and how she started playing pi...

Press play on the latest Bach Talk episode to meet Stephen Eros, Assistant Conductor of the Bach Society of Saint Louis.

In Episode 10, host Ron Klemm and Stephen chat through music, mentorship and teamwork. He shares his journey from growing up in Belleville, Illinois, to leading a professional choir and highlights the important role his family and mentors like A. Dennis Sparger have had on his career. Explore Stephen's passion fo...

A professor, musician and concertmaster all in one! Violinist Lenora-Marya Anop joins host Ron Klemm and Maestro A. Dennis Sparger to discuss the challenges and rewards of interpreting Bach's music and more. She shares the story of her musical journey, from her start with Suzuki lessons at age three to her most recent triumph at Carnegie Hall. In her role as Concertmaster with The Bach Society Orchestra for nearly 25 years, her ...

Explore the intriguing world of Johann Sebastian Bach with this captivating Bach Talk episode featuring tenor, author, historian, and Bach expert David Gordon. Join host Ron Klemm as they uncover fascinating details about Bach's daily life in Leipzig, Germany during the 18th century. Gordon challenges misconceptions about Bach as a stern figure, highlighting his sense of humor, love of life and the importance of his family. Don’t m...

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Dr. Stephen Morscheck, a seasoned bass-baritone singer and professor of vocal studies. He’s returning to St. Louis to once again sing the role of “Jesus” in Bach’s St. John Passion. What goes into preparing for such a unique role? He shares insights into the intricate process of embodying characters like Jesus in Bach's compositions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the text, ...

Join us as soprano Michele Kennedy shares her musical journey, the impact of her mentors and where she finds joy in her life. She's sharing her vision for a more inclusive approach to historic musical practices while celebrating underrepresented composers and artists. The episode also touches on Michele's experiences during the pandemic, revealing the positive aspects, new skills acquired and the joy she found in daily practice. D...

The Bach Society Chorus brings together people from all walks of life, united by their love for music. Led by Dr. A. Dennis Sparger, the members boast a collective 575 years of singing experience in the chorus. In this episode of Bach Talk, chorus members share stories of their musical upbringing, the significance of performing Bach's music and the joy music brings to their lives. They also answer the question, “What makes The Bach...

Join us for a captivating profile of Dutch soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg in the latest episode of Bach Talk with host Ron Klemm. This conversation offers a look into her love for music, visual art and her formative musical experiences in the Netherlands. Josefien’s beautiful paintings and other works of art are eclipsed only by her magnificent voice. She shares her approach to singing, which emphasizes thorough preparation and emo...

This episode of Bach Talk captures a visit with host Ron Klemm, The Bach Society of Saint Louis' Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger and harpsichordist Dr. Charles Metz. He gives insights into the history of the harpsichord, the instrumentalist’s role in an ensemble and his personal experiences as a musician. Throughout the conversation, Charles plays examples on some of his many instruments. Tune in to hear this dynamic...

Get ready for another episode of Bach Talk as we dive deeper into the world of The Bach Society of Saint Louis with Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger. In this second installment of 'Meet the Maestro', we uncover more about the man behind the music and his remarkable journey. He also shares insights into the importance of teamwork, respect for volunteers and the power of Bach's music in uplifting and transforming people...

In this debut episode of Bach Talk, host Ron Klemm sits down with The Bach Society of Saint Louis Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger. They discuss the formative moments that led Dennis to pursue a life of music from his mother singing to his introduction to the accordion. Join us to hear about the memories, music and influences that make up Maestro Sparger.

View the Bach Talk Show Notes here. Learn more about The Bach...