Statement regarding the 2021 Bachfest

Even though we published our decision to allow small audiences into churches and concerts halls on 4 June, we want to inform you here about the reasons for the cancellation of the originally planned Bachfest. Because of the concerts being held with an audience, we do not have the capacity to start the process of refunding as planned, but will do so on 21 June.

Dear Bach Friends,

For months now, our team has laid, re-laid and re-re-laid plans for the 2021 Bachfest, full of energy and unshakable optimism, while at the same time keeping a fearful eye on how the coronavirus pandemic was developing, never losing hope of a timely »redemption«. No doubt you too were hoping that somehow, the Leipzig Bachfest would defy the virus.

However, we are now forced to admit that the decisions taken at the local and national levels to combat the pandemic and the strict rules and restrictions concerning international travel have led us to the painful realisation that holding concerts in the presence of an tourist audience at the dates of the Bachfest is not realistic. It is true that current incidence rate trends in Leipzig could soon allow concerts to be held in Leipzig. Nevertheless, it is not yet possible to set a date for the opening of hotels for tourist travel: under the Saxon Coronavirus Protection Ordinance his requires a lasting incidence rate of less than 50. Words cannot express how much we regret this turn of events. We had so much looked forward to finally being able to welcome you back to Leipzig. And without our national and international audiences and the revenue from ticket sales, we are also losing the economic basis for the entire festival as scheduled.

For the comfort of the whole world (BWV 3)

Nevertheless, we intend to keep our promise of »redemption«, in accordance with the Bachfest theme. And so we have decided the following: the 2021 Bachfest will take place from 11–21 June in greatly modified formand whatever the case, as a livestream. If, by the end of May, we see any possibility of admitting a small audience to concerts under specific conditions, we will launch advance ticket sales at short notice. However, the numerous uncertainties oblige us to rescind all previous ticket sales (see information below). The Bachfest programme will be scaled back from the originally scheduled 100-plus events to a total of twelve concerts (the pre-concert introductions and series of talks will round out the programme). These are specifically those concerts that largely reflect the festival theme of »Redemption«: the large-scale cycle »Bach’s Messiah«, featuring the performance of more than 30 cantatas, Bach’s three oratorios and the St. Matthew Passion, performed by world-famous interpreters, and a closing concert by the Thomanerchor.

The life and work of Jesus of Nazareth told in music will provide us all with the consolation that is so important in these difficult times and the hoped-for musical »redemption«, of this we are certain. We very much hope that as many people as possible will opt to purchase a ticket for the streaming of the Messiah cycle so as not to miss what will certainly be the greatest online Bach event of 2021.

The live concert experience is without any doubt hard to replace. But so much is also certain: not performing at all was simply not an option for us. Because we want »redemption«, and we want it for everyone! And that the feeling of redemption, proximity and belonging can also occur in a virtual space we all proved together last year with the »St John Passion à trois« on Good Friday and the »Bach Marathon«. With this modified Bachfest programme for 2021 and »Bach’s Messiah«, we want to build on this and also on the unforgettable »Ring of Cantatas« of the 2018 Bachfest.

If, by the summer, the situation should ease any further, we will in addition make good the free BachStage concerts on Market Square in early August in collaboration with the »Leipziger Marktmusik« festival.

Do not be offended, O soul! (BWV 186)

We are aware that our decision is putting Bachfest fans and all the artists whose scheduled concerts are now cancelled to a severe test. Many of you booked your tickets early and, like the numerous hired artists, were looking forward to the first Bachfest with the pandemic safely behind us. Rest assured that we did not take this decision lightly. We have been reviewing the different possible options for months and finally made the decision with the objective of finding the best compromise for everyone in a difficult situation. For us this also means striving to find a fair settlement for the contracts with all those artists who can no longer be included in the modified programme. It goes without saying that everyone who purchased tickets will get their money back on request. However, under the rescission options, you can also choose to donate all or part of the money to help preserve the festival. This donation will also ensure that we can provide adequate compensation for the artists who will now no longer be performing – many of them those independent, solo artists who are so hard-pressed at the moment yet play a crucial role in the preservation of Bach’s legacy – and at the same time, as a festival, continue to offer programmes of the highest quality and diversity.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the understanding and patience you have shown so far. A wholehearted thank you also to all the Bachfest partners, sponsors and employees for their great and unfailing support in these surreal times that make planning a festival no easy task.

The wonderful tenor aria from cantata BWV 108 confidently states: »So can I be confident that along with the redeemed I shall come to the desired haven«. Let us hope, then, that we will have the pleasure of welcoming you first of all to the livestream of »Bach’s Messiah« in June, and if possible a few of you in person, and then to the 2022 Bachfest in Leipzig, this time live. Stay healthy and, like us, seek optimism in Bach’s immortal music!

Prof. Dr. Michael Maul                        Klaus Hartig
Artistic Director of the Bachfest         Managing Director of the Bach Archive