Our concerts
Our aim is not to simply perform the cantatas one by one, but to provide a thorough experience of Bach and a deeper appreciation of his music. That is why we perform the works according to their place in the church calendar and round out the programme with complementary modules.
A unique concept
Introductory workshops
One and a half hours prior to the concert, conductor Rudolf Lutz and theologist Niklaus Peter (who succeeded pastor Karl Graf in May 2018) give a 45-minute workshop on the musical and theological background of the evening's cantata.
Concert evenings
Only one cantata is performed per concert – but, for that, it is played twice. To present the work in its context, each cantata is performed according to its place in the church calendar.
Reflective lectures
Between the two cantata performances, a notable speaker reflects on the cantata’s libretto from a modern and personal standpoint. These reflective lectures lend a new perspective to the second hearing of the work.
Concert format
17.30 – 18.15: introductory workshop
- Introduction to the cantata by Rudolf Lutz and Niklaus Peter
- Snacks and drinks
19.00: concert with reflective lecture
- First performance of the evening's cantata
- Reflective lecture on the cantata text
- Second performance of the cantata
Concert venue
The Choir and Orchestra of the J. S. Bach Foundation performs in the main churches of the Appenzell Ausserrhoden area – such as the Protestant churches in Trogen, Teufen and Speicher – and in the city of St. Gallen.
The venue for each concert is listed in the concert calendar. Information about each venue and nearby parking is given below.
Olma-Halle 2.0 St. Gallen - St. Fiden
Arrival by public transport
Travel by train or bus to St. Gallen Bahnhof (main station) or St. Gallen - St. Fiden: SBB timetable
From St. Gallen main station
- with Bus No. 3 (direction ""Heiligkreuz"") to the stop “Olma Messen” or “Langgass”
- with Bus No. 4 (direction ""Wittenbach Bahnhof"") to the stop “Olma Messen” or “Langgass”
- with Bus No. 6 (direction ""Heiligkreuz"") to the stop “Olma Messen” or “Rosenheimstrasse”
From St. Gallen - St. Fiden train station
- 5 minute walk, follow sign posts
Arrival by car
From A1 motorway, take exit St. Gallen - St. Fiden (No. 82) and follow signs to “Olma Messen St.Gallen”
Addresses for paid parking
Please enter the following details in your GPS device: Sonnenstr. 39, 9008 St. Gallen (Parkgarage Olma Messen) Jägerstrasse, 9008 St. Gallen (Parkplatz F6)
Evang. Kirche Trogen (AR)
There are a limited number of parking spaces close to the church in Trogen. Additional parking is available near the fire station (parking lot "Parkplatz Spitzacker"). The "Appenzellerbahn" train to Trogen departs St. Gallen every 15 minutes.
Evang. Kirche Speicher (AR)
In Speicher, there are several parking lots just a ten-minute walk from the church. These can be found at the train station (Bahnhof), behind the train station (Hinterer Bahnhof), the post office (Post), and opposite the train station at the address "Hauptstrasse 22".
Evang. Kirche Teufen (AR)
Parking spaces near the church in Teufen are limited. Further parking is available infront of the armoury (Zeughaus) and at the parking lots "Parkplatz Hechtacker" and "Bahnhof Parking". The "Appenzellerbahn" train to Teufen departs St. Gallen every half hour, and every 15 minutes during peak periods.
Evang. Kirche St. Mangen (SG)
The concert venue is located in the old town of St. Gallen. Parking is available at various parking blocks in the area.
Kirche St. Laurenzen (SG)
The concert venue is located in the old town of St. Gallen. Parking is available at various parking blocks in the area.
How to get there
The concert venues can be reached by public transport or car.
Travelling by public transport
Whenever possible, please travel to the concerts by public transport:
https://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable.html
Travelling by car
We suggest you choose your route using Google Maps:
www.google.com/maps
“Après Bach” matinée
The "Après Bach" matinees take place several times each year on a Saturday morning or afternoon (or, when after a cantata concert, in the early evening).
The matinées are generally held in the conference room at the Krone Hotel in Speicher or in private homes in the Appenzell region.
Schedule
Coffee and croissants from 09.15, concert begins at 10.15.
Registration
Registration Seating is limited. Please register at the Foundation Secretariat (sekretariat@bachstiftung.ch or +41 71 242 16 61). Tickets are CHF 60.00 (or redeem a patron voucher). Tickets are not sent by mail. They can be picked up at the venue on the morning of the concert.
