Concert format & venues

A new concert experience

Our aim is not to simply perform the cantatas one by one, but to foster a thorough experience of Bach and a deeper appreciation of his music. That is why we perform the works according to their place in the church calendar and round out the programme with complementary modules.

J S Bachstiftung Pic X Jsbs Johannespassion Konzert Ya – J. S. Bach-Stiftung St. Gallen — J S Bachstiftung Pic X Jsbs Johannespassion Konzert Ya

Our concept

a unique concept

We aim to convey a thorough appreciation of Bach that allows audiences to experience the emotional, theological and musical depth of the composer's oeuvre. For this reason, we perform the works according to their place in the church calendar, allowing the original effect and meaning of each cantata to be appreciated in its liturgical context.

Bachstiftung Werkeinfuehrung Scaled
Introductory workshops
One and a half hours prior to the concert, conductor Rudolf Lutz and theologist Niklaus Peter (who succeeded pastor Karl Graf in May 2018) give a 45-minute workshop on the musical and theological background of the evening's cantata.
J S Bachstiftung Pic X
Concert evenings
Only one cantata is performed per concert – but, for that, it is played twice. To present the work in its context, each cantata is performed according to its place in the church calendar.
Machen Sie Mit X
Reflective lectures
Between the two cantata performances, a notable speaker reflects on the cantata’s libretto from a modern and personal standpoint. These reflective lectures lend a new perspective to the second hearing of the work.

concert format

Your cantata journey

Discover an in-depth concert experience. Each stage of the programme opens up new perspectives, enabling a deeper appreciation of the music in its historical and theological context. From the presentation of historical texts, to the musical and theological introductory workshop, to the reflective lecture – a multi-faceted and inspiring Bach experience awaits you. The programme is modular and you are free to choose which parts you wish to attend.

Next concerts Ticket shop

Calov Bibel
4.00 - 5.00 p.m.
Calov bible
Printed in 1681/82, the three volume, 27kg commentary to the Luther Bible was Johann Sebastian Bach’s constant companion when composing, and it contains many notations his own hand. At 4.00 p.m. on concert days, the Calov bible will be opened at the pericopes for the relevant cantata and displayed at Landsgemeindeplatz 2, 9043 Trogen, giving concertgoers an opportunity to discover this beautiful facsimile of “Bach’s bible”. Concertgoers are also invited to attend a reading and discussion of the pericopes at 4.15 p.m. on the first floor of the Krone hotel.
- Presentation of the Calov bible
- Reading of the pericope texts with Konrad Hummler
J S Bachstiftung Pic X Bachstiftungpostseptember
5.30 - 6.10 p.m.
Introductory workshop
- Introductory workshop with Rudolf Lutz and Niklaus Peter
- Light refreshments
J S Bachstiftung Pic X Appenzeller Bachtage Festgottesdienst Foto Yannickandrea Y A
7.00 p.m.
Concert & reflective lecture
- First performance of the cantata
- Reflection on the baroque cantata text from a modern perspective
- Second performance of the cantata

The morning after

Rudolf Lutz and Friends matinee concerts

Join our artist talks for an insightful morning after the concert the night before. Our artists are hosted by Rudolf Lutz, who plays both entertainer and interviewer, drawing his guests out on interesting, new – and surprising – topics.

The event generally takes place in the main hall of the Ortsbürgergemeinde St. Gallen.

Next matinee events

Ticketshop

Programme

Coffee and croissants await you from 9.30 a.m., the event begins at 10.30 a.m.

Admission

Tickets: CHF 20.00 or by redeeming a sponsor's voucher. Tickets can be purchased from our online ticket shop or directly at the venue.

J S Bachstiftung Pic X Jsbs Johannespassion Hauptprobe Y A – J. S. Bach-Stiftung St. Gallen — J S Bachstiftung Pic X Jsbs Johannespassion Hauptprobe Y A

Concert venue

The Choir and Orchestra of the J. S. Bach Foundation performs in the main churches of the Appenzell Ausserrhoden area – such as the Protestant churches in Trogen, Teufen and Speicher – and in the city of St. Gallen.