Eric Jacobsen Named as Finalist in Artistic Director Search

Conductor Eric Jacobsen (photo credit: Dario Acosta) The University of Oregon School of Music and Dance is proud to announce that conductor and cellist Eric Jacobsen has been named as a finalist for the artistic director position at the Oregon Bach Festival. Jacobsen will join previously announced candidates Miguel Harth-Bedoya and Julian Wachner as a …

Oregon Bach Festival Announces Artistic Director Finalists

Julian Wachner, Miguel Harth-Bedoya and Craig Hella Johnson (from left to right) UPDATE 02/05/20: Craig Hella Johnson has withdrawn as one of the three finalists for the Oregon Bach Festival’s artistic director position and will no longer be conducting at the 50th anniversary season this summer. Johnson cited a series of difficult personal losses, culminating with …

Shannon Mockli Wants to Provide A Safe Space To Express Through Dance

University of Oregon Associate Professor of Dance Shannon Mockli makes sure to engage her body on a daily basis, taking time to reflect and appreciate nature. “Walking offers me wonderful reflection time where I contemplate just about everything from teaching to art to finding more balance and happiness in my life,” she says. This has …

Alito Alessi Wants Everyone, No Matter Their Ability, To Express Themselves Through Dance

DanceAbility International founder and creative director Alito Alessi believes all people should have an opportunity to express themselves, no matter their level of ability or skill. DanceAbility’s philosophy is that all people are taught to dance without isolating anyone, and people’s conditions are not problems. “Isolation and separation are the problems to solve, and DanceAbility …

Music with Meaning: Oregon Bach Festival Artists Express Personal Perspectives Through Performance

For nearly 50 years, Oregon Bach Festival has showcased the incomparable works of composer J. S. Bach, and those inspired by his timeless masterpieces. This mission continues in 2019, with a collection of creative and innovative artists who express their own unique experiences and personal perspectives through music. Bach in Motion (July 5) A year …

Bach in Motion: A Celebration of Music and Movement

A major event during the 2019 Oregon Bach Festival has been a year in the making. When OBF Executive Director Janelle McCoy spoke with Mobility International USA CEO and co-founder Susan Sygall, the two came up with an idea to combine music, movement, and awareness that is centered on Bach. Bach in Motion was born …

Singer and Radio Personality Peter van de Graaff Shares Love of Classical Music Over The Airwaves

American singer and radio personality Peter van de Graaff surrounds himself with music, whether it is singing with his wife, Kathleen, or hosting for KWAX at the University of Oregon or Beethoven Satellite Network. “Two things are a constant in my life: concert attendance and listening to recorded music. Whenever I’m engaged in either activity I’m always thinking …

Organist Paul Jacobs Raises The Bar

Despite growing up in a non-musical family in a small town in southwestern Pennsylvania, organist Paul Jacobs became a prodigy, and at 15 years old was appointed head organist of a parish of 3,500 in his hometown. “I was fortunate to have excellent musical training and mentors during those formative years. I remain indebted to my …