Los Angeles Bach Festival is very proud to announce the appointment of their new Artistic Director, James Walker, who remains at his post as Director of Music at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, and the selection of All Saints Church, Pasadena as the new home of the festival.
James Walker sets artistic sights for Bach in L.A.
Los Angeles Bach Festival is the oldest fine arts cultural event in Los Angeles, founded in 1934, and is entering its 81st annual season. Over the last 80 years it has had a number of distinguished directors including John Smallman and Tom Somerville.
President Diana Waters comments, “James is one of the preeminent music directors of church music in the greater L.A. area. His achievements over 35 years at All Saints Church are a testament to his ability to create top quality musical experiences for all age groups. We are lucky to have him to showcase the works of one of the seminal geniuses of Western music.”
The Reverend J. Edwin Bacon, Rector of All Saints Church, Pasadena states, “We could not be more thrilled to be sharing with the L.A. Bach Festival and the greater Los Angeles community the creativity, artistry and passion James Walker brings to his work as a musician and artistic director. All Saints Church has been blessed by his gifts for over thirty years and we’re delighted to be partners in sharing them more widely!”
2014 events
Organ Recital: Szymon GrabSunday, October 19 at 4:00 PM · All Saints Church, Pasadena
Program details
Young Persons ConcertFriday, October 24 at 10:00 AM · For public school children who will be bused to All Saints Church, Pasadena
Chorus and Orchestra FinaleSunday, October 26 at 4:00 PM · All Saints Church, Pasadena
Program details
For additional information, go to labachfest.org.
Update
Monday, September 22, 2014 · When this article first appeared, not all event details were available. This update includes links to specific event pages and a link to Los Angeles Bach Festival’s new website.
Congratulations, James! This is great news for All Saints and the San Gabriel Valley. I sang with the Bach Festival under Bill Hatcher and Tom Somerville for many years. I have great memories of those many seasons of music making. If you need an extra alto in the chorus, I’d be honored to come sing with you. Let me know.
This is going to be an incredible inaugural Bach Festival season under your esteemed direction! I look forward to attending many of the concerts! Again, congratulations and much success to you as you produce this event at All Saints!
Hello, Barbara.
Sorry this reply is so late. There seems to be a little snag in the website system, as these messages are supposed to be forwarded to my email, where I’d see them right away. We’ll work on that!
Thank you so much for your good wishes. It is an exciting time for the Festival, experiencing this rebirth. The 2014 chorus was formed in August, but my plan for 2015 is to be more thorough and hold open auditions. I will add you to that list, for notification of details.
All the best.
James
James, what wonderful news! Congratulations. This is such a wonderful addition to the musical experience of All Saints.