Bach this way

If Bach were a basketball player, he’d be Michael Jordan: Not only was he one of the best in his time period (the Baroque era), but he’s also widely regarded as the greatest of all time. So instead of one concert of the composer’s music, Sacramento is holding an entire six-day Bach festival. Bravo Bach takes place at the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church over the course of two weekends, reinterpreting Bach’s music in the following events:

A Bach Sampler: The Bach Festival Chamber Ensemble, featuring soprano Donna Helmich-Agnello, festival musical director Jack D. Miller and others, will play Bach’s Anna Magdalena Notebook, trio sonatas, ricercars and canons, as well as pieces by composers in Bach’s circle of influence. Friday, March 18.

Organ Masterworks: Bach was known for his virtuosic organ playing. Robert Morgan, university organist at Stanford University, will play some of Bach’s organ masterworks in a variety of styles. Saturday, March 19.

Bach and the Spirit of Improvisation: The Camerata Capistrano, a Sacramento State baroque ensemble, will play Bach, Vivaldi, Handel and others. Sunday, March 20.

Cabaret Bach/Jazz: Capital Jazz Project founder Joe Gilman and his jazz ensemble will play Bach’s music in a contemporary way, fusing jazz and classical music in a cabaret format. Friday, March 25.

The Romantic Connection: Acclaimed concert pianist Tien Hsieh will play Bach’s organ works arranged for the piano by Franz List and Ferruccio Bosuni. Saturday, March 26.

Sing for Joy!: The Bach Festival Orchestra will be joined by soprano Robin Fisher and trumpeter Scott Macomber in performing Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 and Cantata 51. Sunday, March 27.