The Oregon Bach Festival began Friday in Eugene. The nearly 50 year old event attracts artists and fans from around the world.
In the past year, Artistic Director Matthew Halls left the festival under some controversy. After that, it became a department of the University of Oregon’s music school. OBF Executive Director Janelle McCoy says this brings it back to its roots.
“We used to have a very strong relationship with the University School of Music and Dance. Our founder Royce Saltzman was an Associate Dean at the School of Music and Dance and maybe in some ways we’ve missed that relationship quite a bit.”
The 2 week festival includes the world premiere of the Passion of Yeshua by composer Richard Danielpour, the regional premier of a piece by Phillip Glass, and much more, including lots of Bach. McCoy says ticket sales are above expectations for the festival which runs through July 14th.
