Bach Talk

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been inspiring and enriching audiences through the transformative music of Johann Sebastian Bach since 1898.

In this Bach Talk episode, host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society of Saint Louis' Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger sit down with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem’s Executive Director Leela Breithaupt to explore the rich heritage, enduring impact and vibrant fu...

The conversation continues with conductor and baroque specialist Nicholas McGegan as we dive deeper into the story behind Handel’s Messiah. From the fascinating (and sometimes prickly!) relationship between Handel and librettist Charles Jennens to the surprising origins of the work in secular performance spaces, this episode uncovers the history, drama and humanity behind one of the most beloved choral masterworks of all time.

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Known for his spirited approach to music-making, internationally acclaimed conductor Nicholas McGegan is currently in his sixth decade as a conductor, harpsichordist, and baroque specialist. Following a 34-year tenure with the San Francisco-based Philharmonia Baroque, the orchestra and chorale he founded, Maestro McGegan now spends his time visiting the cities he enjoys most, including St. Louis. Join Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and T...

From Bach and Handel to new and rarely performed music from Latin America, Border CrosSing is making waves and breaking down barriers. By combining musical and cultural styles, this Minnesota-based, award-winning choral group is intentional about crossing borders through choral music to impact singers and audiences alike.

The Bach Society’s Scott MacDonald and Zach Singer sat down with Founder and Artistic Director Ahmed Anzaldúa a...

In this special holiday edition of Bach Talk, host Ron Klemm takes you behind the scenes of The Bach Society of Saint Louis’ cherished Christmas Candlelight Concert, returning to Powell Hall on December 23. Hear from members of the chorus, orchestra and team at The Bach Society as they share what makes this concert so meaningful. From the Candlelight Processional to the mix of traditional carols and reimagined works, this concert h...

Whether in the studio, on stage or in a collaboration, soprano Clara Rottsolk brings joy to her work. Lauded by The New York Times for her “clear, appealing voice and expressive conviction,” she’s a sought-after performer on several continents. As Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society’s Assistant Executive Director Danielle Feinstein learned, perhaps Clara’s greatest joy comes from sharing her artistry and passing along a l...

From the podium to the podcast mic, our conductor is once again taking center stage on Bach Talk. Ron Klemm and Scott MacDonald sit down with Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger as he reflects on his 40 years with The Bach Society of Saint Louis and shares insights about the music he loves. In this episode, he also takes us inside Mozart’s immortal Requiem, the opening work of our 85th season, exploring what makes it so ...

From calling Aaron Copland on a whim to commissioning works for James Earl Jones, Philip Brunelle’s career is marked by bold ideas, fearless curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to music. Bach Talk Host Ron Klemm and Bach Society's Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger sit down with the legendary founder of VocalEssence; one of the world's premier choral organizations based in Minneapolis, MN. A member of the Minnesota Mus...

Host Ron Klemm is joined by Danielle Feinstein, Assistant Executive Director of The Bach Society of Saint Louis, to kick off season three of Bach Talk with soprano Bethany Worrell. They talk about how teaching and performing go hand in hand and what it means to grow as both an artist and educator. Bethany shares stories from her career, reflections on choosing growth over perfection and why “being an artist is very cool.” View the...

In this special live episode of Bach Talk, recorded at the 2025 Chorus America Conference, host Ron Klemm sits down with legendary conductor Leonard Slatkin for an intimate conversation spanning his remarkable career. The six-time Grammy winner shares captivating stories from growing up during Hollywood's golden age, where Rubinstein and Stravinsky played on the family piano, to his current projects and passion for the arts. From c...

Tune in to Bach Talk as host Ron Klemm and Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger sit down with one of today’s leading music publishers. Mark Lawson, President of ECS Publishing Group, also serves on the Bach Society Board and is the current Chair-Elect of the Chorus America Board. From growing up on a farm in rural Missouri to collaborating with some of the world’s top composers, Mark shares his unique journey through the ...

What makes Bach’s music move us so deeply, whether we share his beliefs or not? In this episode of Bach Talk, host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society’s Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger chat with scholar Michael Marissen about how Bach’s faith shaped his powerful compositions. Michael, author of "Bach & God" and "Bach Against Modernity", challenges modern assumptions about the composer. He argues that Bach was fundamen...

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.

View the Bach Talk Show Notes ...

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...