One of the world’s greatest composers was born 330 years ago. On Friday, March 20 at Eskenazi Health, the musicians of the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra (IBO) and Ensemble Voltaire, Indianapolis’ premier professional Baroque music group, are performing in the International Bach in the Subways event in honor of Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday.

The performance will take place at 2 p.m. in the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation Concourse at Eskenazi Health, located at 720 Eskenazi Ave. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Eskenazi Health Parking Garage.

Musicians from the orchestra will showcase some of the most beautiful music from the master of all Baroque masters. Bach, who was a German composer and musician during the Baroque Period, is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time. Bach's compositions include the Brandenburg Concertos, the Goldberg Variations, the Mass in B minor, two Passions, and more than 300 sacred cantatas, of which 190 survive. His music is revered for its technical command, artistic beauty and intellectual depth.

On March 21, 2015, musicians worldwide will be celebrating Bach’s 330th birthday. In more than 120 cities in 39 countries, hundreds of these musicians will take to public spaces to give a gift of music to their communities in honor of Bach’s birthday.

“Eskenazi Health is honored to celebrate Bach’s 330th birthday with this free concert, thanks to the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra (IBO) and Ensemble Voltaire,” said Ernie Vargo II, CFRE, president and CEO of Eskenazi Health Foundation. “Through the community’s support, we’re able to partner with community musical organizations to host a vast array of musical genres and skills for the listening pleasure of Eskenazi Health’s patients, visitors and staff.”

The program includes Bach’s famed cello sonatas, along with more works for strings and harpsichord. Dr. Christine Kyprianides, cellist and musicologist, will give short introductions prior to the music. The concert will also feature Tom Gerber, harpsichordist for the IBO and professor at Marian University and the University of Indianapolis, and Rachel Gries, violist and faculty member at Franklin College.

The concert is made possible by the Marianne Tobias Music Program at Eskenazi Health, which brings music to the patients, visitors and staff at Eskenazi Health. When Eskenazi Health first envisioned developing a public art program, it determined that it was important to engage all forms of art. As the public art program progressed, a decision was made to bring musical performances to patients, visitors and staff at Eskenazi Health. Tobias helped to establish the program, including donating a concert grand piano that resides in the main concourse of the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.

CONTACT: Todd Harper
Phone: 317.880.4785
Pager: 317.310.5972 
Email: todd.harper@eskenazihealth.edu