Bach Music Foundation

The Bach Music Foundation (originally established as an association) has been active since 1996. It was founded by harpsichordist Aina Kalnciema, who continues to serve as the Foundation’s President and, since 2001, as the Artistic Director of the International Bach Chamber Music Festival. Both the Foundation and the Festival were created with the aim of promoting the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and fostering public interest in its artistic and cultural-historical significance.

Aina Kalnciema explains her vision through both her personal connection with Bach’s music and her belief in its positive impact on people:

"Bach’s music is especially dear to me. I perceive it as a healer of the soul, as the purest form of music therapy, a means of physical purification and spiritual balance. In my view, Bach is like a field of alternative medicine with a psychotherapeutic effect. Perhaps some people do not even realise that Bach’s music can heal them, but it happens. And people become better."

During its early years, the Bach Music Association brought together representatives of Latvia’s intellectual and cultural community – professional musicians, music enthusiasts, educators, doctors, artists, and representatives of other creative professions. The association’s meetings were held at the historic Reitern House in Riga’s Old Town. Thematic evenings featured Bach’s chamber music, while members delivered lectures and led discussions on Bach’s music and its connections with science, other art forms, the human body, the psyche, and creativity. The association’s events also featured lectures and meditation sessions by Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, prior to her becoming President of Latvia.

Over time, the Foundation’s activities gained recognition internationally. In preparation for the 250th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s death and while identifying Bach societies active around the world, the Leipzig-based Neue Bachgesellschaft expressed interest in the Latvian organisation.

In 2001, the Foundation’s musical and educational evenings became the foundation for the creation of the International Bach Chamber Music Festival. Since then, the Bach Music Foundation has served as the Festival’s organiser, overseeing its artistic and administrative activities.

Since 2006, the International Bach Chamber Music Festival has been a member of REMA (Réseau Européen de Musique Ancienne / European Early Music Network) and NORDEM (Nordic and Baltic Early Music Network).

English translation generated with the assistance of ChatGPT (OpenAI).