Performances
The Bach Institute at Valparaiso University was established to ensure the legacy of the music and theological perspective of Johann Sebastian Bach for future generations.
2026/2027 season
Performances
The Box Office
To purchase tickets, call 219.464.5162 or visit the Valparaiso University Center for the Arts administrative suite. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and one hour before each ticketed performance.
Friday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.
Chapel of the Resurrection
To purchase individual tickets, shop online or purchase in person at the Center for the Arts.
Friday, March 5, 7:00 PM – Concert – Trinity Lutheran Church, 7227 Hohman Ave. Hammond, IN 46324 with the Hammond Academy for Science and Technology Choir.
Saturday, March 6, 4:30 PM – Concert – Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 460 Sunset Ridge, Northfield, IL 60093
Sunday, March 7, 2:00 PM – Concert – Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington Street, Naperville, IL 60540
The Bach Institute at Valparaiso University presents the Valparaiso University Chorale and Chamber Orchestra in concert. The program will include the Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Diego Piedra performing the first movement of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. Led by Director of Choral and Vocal Activities, Dr. Marin Jacobson, the Chorale will sing anthems by American composers, and the choir and orchestra will perform together Buxtehude’s Jesu, Meines Lebens Leben and selections from Kevin Siegfried’s lyrical Songs for the Journey.
Visit the Ensemble Tour page for additional details.
Performing the Major Works
One of the goals of the Bach Institute is to perform the major works of Johann Sebastian Bach on a triennial basis. These events bring to campus some of the world’s pre-eminent Bach experts as performers and conductors.
Past Triennial Performances
- 2004: Inaugural Performance: “Mass in B minor” (Helmuth Rilling, Guest Conductor)
- 2007: Triennial Performance: “St. John Passion” (Craig Jessop, Guest Conductor)
- 2010: Triennial Performance: “St. Matthew Passion” (Hermann Max, Guest Conductor)
- 2013: Triennial Performance: “Mass in B minor” (Christopher M. Cock, conductor)
- 2016: Triennial Performance: “St. John Passion” (Christopher M. Cock, conductor)
- 2019: Triennial Performance: “St. Matthew Passion” (Christopher M. Cock, conductor)
- 2022: Triennial Performance: “Mass in B Minor” (Christopher M. Cock, conductor)
- 2025: Triennial Performance: “St. John Passion” (Marin Jacobson, conductor)
The Bach Institute has hosted performances by guest ensembles such as the Bach Collegium Japan, the Dresden Kreuzchor and the Thomanerchor (Leipzig).
Additional Works Performed
- Christmas Oratorio
- Messiah (G. F. Handel)
- Magnificat
- Gloria (A. Vivaldi)
- Brandenburg Concertos
Cantata Performances
The Bach Institute held the Midwest Premiere for BMV 1127, the aria Alles mit Gott und nichts ohn’ ihn (Everything with God and nothing without him). Additional performances include: BWV 150, 131, 15, 71, 61, 63, 12, 22, 23, 75, 76, 182.