About Us
Choral performance like you’ve not seen before.
What We Do
Bach Choir of Pittsburgh was founded in 1934 to perform works of Johann Sebastian Bach exclusively. Under the leadership of Conductor and Artistic Director Thomas W. Douglas, the choir continues to evolve from a narrowly-focused ensemble to a larger, more inclusive choir that performs major choral works by composers from the Renaissance through the present.
Since its inception the Bach Choir has grown from 60 to 100 singers and currently remains steady with 80 members including a 16-person core of paid professional singers. Bach Choir of Pittsburgh produces a three-program concert season that is presented in unique venues in and around Pittsburgh. Auditions for choir and professional core positions are held on an annual basis. In addition to our regular concert season, the Bach Choir is available for hire throughout the tri-state area.
The Choir is critically acclaimed for its innovative, precise, and entertaining concert performances. Local music critics commend the Choir for “stretching its musical wings,” and handling “tricky works not only with technical skill, but with spirit and seeming inspiration.” They praise Artistic Director Thomas Douglas as well. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says “One has to admire Artistic Director and Conductor Thomas Douglas for thinking out of the proverbial box when it comes to choral music.” And the Tribune-Review raves, “Douglas is shaping the choir into a Pittsburgh musical force!”
Mission
The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh presents unique and moving interpretations of choral works to engage and captivate arts-loving audiences across the Pittsburgh region.
Vision
People will know we are the most interesting choral group in the region, setting the standard in innovation and music performance, because we:
- Produce compelling performances
- Inspire superior musicianship
- Attract large, loyal audiences
- Maintain a stable organization
Values
The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh is guided by these values, consistent in all that we do:
- Excellence in musical technique and performance
- Mix of traditional and unconventional works
- Collaboration with other artists and organizations
- Culture of respect for each individual’s contribution
- Education in music, technique, and context
- Community and camaraderie
- Organizational and financial stability