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Spring in Winnipeg means the return of the Winnipeg Baroque Festival, and with it, one of its signature events—the Bach Marathon Concert. Organized by the Winnipeg Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO), this beloved event takes place on Saturday, April 5, at Young United Church, running from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This is the fifth edition of the marathon, and demand to participate has never been higher. “We actually had to turn people away this year,” Enns-Braun notes, highlighting the event’s growing popularity. Program Commitee member Linda Fern, is a driving force behind the concert. She begins reaching out to past performers early in the new year. The word spreads quickly, and the roster fills up fast.
A Festival Partnership and a Packed House
The RCCO teamed up with the Winnipeg Baroque Festival for the first time in 2024, and the impact was immediate. Lottie Enns-Braun is the head of the programming committee for the Bach Marathon, as she states, “Our audience increased hugely... It was quite a shock to our system.” The response was so overwhelming that organizers had to rethink the layout. “We always include food, and we had tables set up inside the sanctuary, but it was so packed that we were worried the fire marshal might shut us down!” This year, food will be available in the common area to allow for more seating inside the church.
An Inclusive Celebration of Bach’s Music
One of the defining features of the Bach Marathon is its open-door philosophy. Performers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. “That’s truly the most delightful part for me,” says Enns-Braun. “Reading the bios this year, I don’t know a lot of these young performers—but they are on the path to becoming professionals, darn it!”
For audience members, the concert is intentionally casual. “Our suggestion is that people come and go as they please,” she says. “But we’re always shocked by how many people stay the whole time because they don’t want to miss anything.”
Bach (and his Wife) Take the Stage
The marathon isn’t just about the music—it’s also about storytelling. Michael Kurek and Kathleen Murphy will once again appear as Johann Sebastian Bach and his wife, Anna Magdalena Bach. Kurek, who originated the idea five years ago, researches and writes a new script each year, tying the music together with historical narratives. “This is one of the things that makes our event so unique,” says Enns-Braun. “It’s not just about celebrating Bach’s music—it’s about celebrating his life.”
A Diverse and Exciting Program
The lineup features a variety of performers and ensembles, from solo organists to recorder and flute groups. Highlights include:
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Peter Fyne performing a Trio Sonata—a true test of an organist’s skill.
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A selection from Saint John Passion, featuring soprano Luz Thiele and flutist Cordelia Papadopoulos. Enns-Braun will accompany on organ.
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A performance from Bach’s Coffee Cantata, sung by baritone Lukas Sawatsky, with Enns-Braun on piano. “Every year, I wish someone would perform something from the Coffee Cantata,” she laughs. “And of course, Lucas chose the hardest excerpt!”
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A selection from BWV 152, performed by tenor Steven Haiko-Pena and oboist Leigh Karras.
Enns-Braun herself will be at the keys multiple times throughout the afternoon, playing both organ and piano. “When I’m asking people to perform, it’s always easier if I can say, ‘Hey, if you want to do this, I’ll play for you!’” she says.
A Community-Building Event
“This is a beautiful community-building kind of activity,” Enns-Braun reflects. “Where else do you find a program that welcomes every age and every ability? It’s a testament to Bach’s genius that his music works across such a wide range.”
Entry by Contribution
The Bach Marathon operates on a pay-as-you-are-able basis. “We welcome contributions at the door,” Enns-Braun says, adding that proceeds support scholarships for beginning organists and help fund future events. “We have a big concert coming up in June featuring Isabelle Demers from Montreal, and it’s going to be a major event.”
With an exciting lineup, a welcoming atmosphere, and the chance to experience Bach’s music in a new way, the Bach Marathon is shaping up to be another unforgettable event. “Maybe next year, we’ll get the whole Coffee Cantata performed,” Enns-Braun muses. In a coffeehouse setting, of course. It would be perfect.