BVF
The Bach Virtuosi Festival, founded by violinist Lewis Kaplan, offers residents and visitors of New York City (May 13-21, 2024) and southern Maine a world-class concert series (June 19-25, 2024) for lovers of the baroque repertoire. BVF has been well-received by the public, the press, and the artists themselves from its outset in 2016. The artists are world renowned musicians, musicologists, and professors who play Bach and his contemporaries with brilliance, love and integrity.
Locations
BVF holds concerts in churches, synagogues, and intimate venues with spectacular acoustics, including St. Luke’s Cathedral (Maine), Church of St. Ignatius of Antioch (NYC), and Etz Chaim Synagogue (Maine), so attendees can be close to the musicians and further their appreciation for this exalted music regardless of religious affiliations.
Why we love Portland
Portland, Maine has been the home of Bach Virtuosi Festival since 2016. It was founded in this picturesque city because Lewis Kaplan had guided the Bowdoin International Music Festival from 1964-2014. When he decided to start a Bach festival, the location was an easy decision. We love Portland because of its beautiful architecture, the homeowners who house our musicians, the places to explore, and the fact that Portland is a food & wine city. Come enjoy this festival while savoring the delectable and fun activities this city offers.
BVF Management
Brian Kaplan
Director of Marketing and Communications
A specialist for independent schools and arts-based non-profits, Brian brings 25 years of strategic marketing experience to BVF. Previously, he worked in the music industry with artists, such as Lorin Maazel, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, and record companies, radio stations and in artist management.
Megan Akers
Administrative Director
Megan joins BVF from the Maine Council of Churches in Portland, ME. She brings a background in fundraising, event management, communications, and the essential organizational skills required in this fast-paced position. Megan lives in Portland with her husband and two teenage sons.