About

Founder Carl Anton Wirth

Fifty years ago, Carl Anton Wirth, a local pianist, conductor, and composer, gathered friends, neighbors and music lovers on his Twain Harte deck, kicking off a half-century tradition — the annual fall Sonora Bach Festival. In 2003, led by its all-volunteer Executive and Advisory Boards, it incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

For all those 50 years, the Sonora Bach Festival has offered opportunities for community members of all ages to perform classical music under professional guidance and conditions, consistent with its mission to enrich the quality of life for both youth and adults through knowledge and appreciation of music. The music presented is primarily classical, mostly from the Baroque period, with Johann Sebastian Bach’s music as the centerpiece.

This year’s festival starts off with an unusual free event: Bach’s Big Bang at Indigeny Reserve, sponsored, in part, by the Sonora Area Foundation. In addition, we offer a Youth Concert, a Locals’ Concert, and a House Concert.