On behalf of Craig Hella Johnson, Oregon Bach Festival shares the following message:
“It is with a heavy heart that I officially step down from my role as artistic partner. This decision comes from my desire to dedicate more time to compose and create, particularly composing and arranging music, which have long been passions of mine. I believe now is the time to fully embrace these creative endeavors.”
A visionary musician, conductor, and composer, Johnson made a profound impact on the festival during the 2023-2025 seasons. From his sold-out performances of Path of Miracles and Palestrina in the Park, to his beautiful and striking Considering Matthew Shepard, Johnson delighted festival audiences and engaged UO music students and Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy participants for three years – including one as an OBF artistic partner.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an artistic partner,” says Johnson. “The 2025 festival was an absolute joy and privilege. I love and admire the musicians of OBF and I cherish every moment of working with them. I have deeply enjoyed warm friendships and conversations with so many festival listeners and patrons. My connection to the festival, both historically and in the present, runs deep, and I am incredibly thankful for the dedication of all the artists and the hardworking staff who make the festival possible.”
Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Dean of the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance, shared her appreciation for Johnson saying, “Craig’s artistry and generosity of spirit have left an enduring impression on Bach Festival musicians and patrons. We wish him the very best as he continues his creative journey.”
“His ability to connect with artists and audiences brought new depth to our musical offerings,” adds James Boyd, OBF Director of Programming. “We are deeply grateful for his contributions and talent as Artistic Partner, and we look forward to collaborating with him in the future on individual projects.”
Johnson served as an inaugural Oregon Bach Festival artistic partner. The OBF artistic partner model connects industry leaders with integral components of the festival’s artistic mission. Johnson was charged with shaping the Grammy-winning festival’s choral vision and cultivating artist relationships that resulted in new works and commissions. He served alongside Jos van Veldhoven, who advises the festival’s historically informed performances endeavors. Artistic partners round-out the festival’s holistic artistic leadership team, which also includes Anton Armstrong (Youth Choral Academy), Paul Jacobs (Organ Institute), Kathy Saltzman Romey (Chorus Director), and Sharon J. Paul (UO Chamber Choir).