In this special holiday edition of Bach Talk, host Ron Klemm takes you behind the scenes of The Bach Society of Saint Louis’ cherished Christmas Candlelight Concert, returning to Powell Hall on December 23. Hear from members of the chorus, orchestra and team at The Bach Society as they share what makes this concert so meaningful. From the Candlelight Processional to the mix of traditional carols and reimagined works, this concert has been a St. Louis tradition for over 70 years. With a preview of this year’s program, discover why so many say, “It isn’t Christmas without it.”

View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.

Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.

Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Whether in the studio, on stage or in a collaboration, soprano Clara Rottsolk brings joy to her work. Lauded by The New York Times for her “clear, appealing voice and expressive conviction,” she’s a sought-after performer on several continents. As Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society’s Assistant Executive Director Danielle Feinstein learned, perhaps Clara’s greatest joy comes from sharing her artistry and passing along a legacy of excellence.

In this episode, she reflects on her upbringing as the child of church musicians and the lessons that help her stay grounded in an unpredictable career, from surprise debuts to redefining success on her own terms.

View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.

Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.

Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

From the podium to the podcast mic, our conductor is once again taking center stage on Bach Talk. Ron Klemm and Scott MacDonald sit down with Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger as he reflects on his 40 years with The Bach Society of Saint Louis and shares insights about the music he loves. In this episode, he also takes us inside Mozart’s immortal Requiem, the opening work of our 85th season, exploring what makes it so powerful and why it continues to move audiences.

View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.

Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.

Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

From calling Aaron Copland on a whim to commissioning works for James Earl Jones, Philip Brunelle’s career is marked by bold ideas, fearless curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to music. Bach Talk Host Ron Klemm and Bach Society's Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger sit down with the legendary founder of VocalEssence; one of the world's premier choral organizations based in Minneapolis, MN. A member of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, Philip shares stories from six decades on the podium, his belief in trust between singers and leaders, and how curiosity continues to drive his work today.

Host Ron Klemm is joined by Danielle Feinstein, Assistant Executive Director of The Bach Society of Saint Louis, to kick off season three of Bach Talk with soprano Bethany Worrell. They talk about how teaching and performing go hand in hand and what it means to grow as both an artist and educator. Bethany shares stories from her career, reflections on choosing growth over perfection and why “being an artist is very cool.”

In this special live episode of Bach Talk, recorded at the 2025 Chorus America Conference, host Ron Klemm sits down with legendary conductor Leonard Slatkin for an intimate conversation spanning his remarkable career. The six-time Grammy winner shares captivating stories from growing up during Hollywood's golden age, where Rubinstein and Stravinsky played on the family piano, to his current projects and passion for the arts. From conducting techniques to the challenges facing the arts in America today, this unscripted conversation features live audience Q&A and performances by The Bach Society Chorus, capturing Slatkin's passion, wisdom and his rallying cry: "Let us be. Let us grow."

View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.

Tune in to Bach Talk as host Ron Klemm and Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger sit down with one of today’s leading music publishers. Mark Lawson, President of ECS Publishing Group, also serves on the Bach Society Board and is the current Chair-Elect of the Chorus America Board. From growing up on a farm in rural Missouri to collaborating with some of the world’s top composers, Mark shares his unique journey through the world of music publishing. Hear how he’s helped bring new music to life and his hopeful perspective on where the future of music is headed.

View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.

What makes Bach’s music move us so deeply, whether we share his beliefs or not? In this episode of Bach Talk, host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society’s Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger chat with scholar Michael Marissen about how Bach’s faith shaped his powerful compositions. Michael, author of "Bach & God" and "Bach Against Modernity", challenges modern assumptions about the composer. He argues that Bach was fundamentally “pre-modern” in his outlook, with a seamless connection between his music and beliefs. Tune in for a fresh take on the emotional and spiritual depth of Bach’s work.

View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.

The conversation continues with internationally acclaimed soprano Christine Brewer! She’s sharing more stories from behind the curtain, including the reality of on-stage mishaps, her perspectives on teaching young artists and how our life experiences shape the way music is both performed and felt. With many accolades including a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, she is a true star in every sense. But it’s her humility and kindness that shine through most in this heartfelt conversation. Join Ron Klemm and A. Dennis Sparger for another glimpse into the world of one of the greatest sopranos of all time on Bach Talk. 

Grammy Award-winning soprano Christine Brewer takes us on a journey from her roots in Southern Illinois to commanding the stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses and concert halls. Join Ron Klemm and A. Dennis Sparger on Bach Talk as they chat about her influences, her commitment to storytelling and the role family plays in her career.

View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.