Johann Sebastian Bach once said that the ultimate goal of music should be “the refreshment of the soul.” It’s a wonderful illustration of the impact that music can have—across time and space, it is an artform that is capable of speaking to every part of the human experience. Founded in 1941 by William B. Heyne, the Bach Society of Saint Louis has shared not only the work of Bach but the power of all music for more than eight decades. As the nonprofit celebrates its 85th season, it’s also looking forward to finding new ways to move the St. Louis community.
“There’s a bit of a challenge to being 85 years old,” Bach Society executive director Melissa Payton notes. “We have to constantly find new ways to present music to audiences. These songs are centuries old, and our job is to bring them into 2026 in a way that feels fresh and fun.” The nonprofit is up to the task, thanks to the artistic vision of music director and conductor A. Dennis Sparger. In recent years, Bach Society has seen exciting growth. “There is a general feeling of decline in classical music across the country, but our audience is growing,” he says. “We must be doing something right.”
Sparger adds that the audiences might be surprised by a Bach Society performance. “Try us out in a live concert, and you might be amazed,” he notes. “Almost all of the music we perform has a spiritual dimension as well as great artistic merit—it’s a powerful combination.” That duality is evident in the Bach Society’s next performance: Handel’s Messiah on March 15 at First Presbyterian Church Kirkwood. This spring, music lovers can also look forward to a concert spotlighting Bach’s Magnificat and the annual St. Louis Bach Festival, which brings the joy of music to various venues across the region.
This season marks another major milestone for the Bach Society: Sparger’s 40th anniversary with the organization. He has conducted 212 performances. “It’s been wonderful to share music with audiences, and I’m grateful to the outstanding people who make it possible,” he says. Payton adds the nonprofit owes much of its success to Sparger’s leadership. “Dennis is a brilliant musician, artist and storyteller,” she says. “He loves crafting performances in a special way so our music can connect with people and touch the deepest part of their soul. His vision and dedication over four decades has been the foundation the Bach Society has needed to thrive.”
To celebrate with the community, the Bach Society is hosting its 85th Anniversary Gala on April 10 at the Missouri Athletic Club Downtown. Anne von der Heydt and Carolyn Farrell are serving as chairs for the event, and guests look forward to an evening of music led by the Bach Society Chorus. “The chorus performing is a special treat, and we’re excited for a wonderful evening,” Payton notes. “The Bach Society has been around for a long time, but we’re still striving to provide performances that are fresh and relevant. It’s an honor to be a pillar in the St. Louis choral community.”
Since 1941, the Bach Society of Saint Louis has provided the community with moving performances of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and others. Its 85th Anniversary Gala is April 10 at the Missouri Athletic Club Downtown. Pictured on the cover: Event chairs Anne von der Heydt and Carolyn Farrell with music director and conductor A. Dennis Sparger (seated). For more information, call 314.652.BACH (2224) or visit bachsociety.org/gala.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at the top: A. Dennis Sparger, Anne von der Heydt (standing), Carolyn Farrell
Photo: Tim Parker Photography