MSO Bach Week

March 16 – 22, 2026

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Bach Festival has returned for a third year! Join your MSO as we celebrate the musical mastery of Johann Sebastian Bach with a week-long lineup of performances featuring members of your hometown orchestra, our community partners, and participating arts venues throughout the city.

Bach's St. Matthew Passion

Friday, March 20 | 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 21 | 7:30 pm
Tickets + details

 

 

 

 

At a time when the church was questioning the morality of art, Bach gave the world a musical triumph of faith and spirit, and few masterpieces of this scope are as intimate and personal as his St. Matthew Passion. In these performances, the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus — celebrating its golden anniversary — sings the text from the Gospel of Matthew, sharing a profound biblical narrative with color and emotion.

Meet the Music: Bach St. Matthew Passion Pre-Concert Lecture

Friday, March 20 | 6:30 pm
Saturday, March 21 | 6:30 pm

 

 

 

 

Panelists: Dr. Andrew Talle of Northwestern University, MSO Music Director Ken-David Masur, and mezzo-soprano soloist Clara Osowski

Join renowned Bach experts and performers 60 minutes prior to Bach’s St. Matthew Passion for an interactive pre-concert discussion about the profound masterwork you’re about to experience live in concert.

*Must have tickets to the concert of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion to attend. Free for all ticketholders.

Events Around Town & Partner Events

  • MSO MUSICIANS

    Wednesday, March 18 at 2:30 pm

    Trinity Woods

    9525 W Burleigh Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222

    Open to the public

  • MSO BRASS MUSICIANS
    Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1046 N Ninth Street, Milwaukee Open to the public
  • WHAT WERE MUSIC LESSONS LIKE IN THE TIME OF J. S. BACH
    Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Wisconsin Conservatory of Music 1584 N Prospect Ave, Milwaukee Dr. Andrew Talle, presenter Open to the public
  • CURT SATHER BACH BIRTHDAY ORGAN RECITAL

    Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 12:00 P.M. (noon)

    Trinity Episcopal Church
    1717 Church Street, Wauwatosa

    Open to the public

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