The Carmel Bach Festival is July 17 through August 1 2009.

From the Carmel Bach Festival web site:

“In 1935 Dene Denny and Hazel Watrous founded the Carmel Bach Festival on the premise that Carmel-by-the-Sea should become the epicenter of world-class music, art and cultural expression. Both women were musical producers, owners of the influential Dene-Watrous Gallery and well-known for their efforts in enhancing the cultural life of the Monterey Peninsula. The Festival began as a three-day festival of open rehearsals, events, and concerts with Ernst Bacon as guest conductor.

In 1938, Gastone Usigli was named conductor, leading the Festival until his death in 1956. Dene Denny chose the next conductor, a young man named Sandor Salgo. Under Salgo’s 36-year leadership the largely amateur Festival became professional, nationally recognized and extended to multiple weeks. Salgo’s long tenure as a Stanford University professor created a link between musical sponsorship and the emerging study of historical performance practices and a rediscovery of Baroque music.

When Salgo retired in 1991, Bruno Weil was named the Music Director and Conductor of the Carmel Bach Festival. During his seventeen years with the Festival, Maestro Weil has advanced the Festival’s international reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming and exciting new artists.”

“The Carmel Bach Festival has a 71-year history of artistic excellence and community service. Under the inspired leadership of Maestro Bruno Weil, the Festival is one of the oldest music festivals in the West and the most important American Bach Festival. During the 16 days of the festival approximately 30,000 attendees enjoy a wide range of concerts, recitals, interactive talks, master classes, social events, and educational experiences.

Set in the scenic beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the home of the Carmel Bach Festival. The main concert venue is the recently renovated Sunset Theater just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the heart of Carmel. Other performance venues in Carmel include the historic Carmel Mission Basilica, All Saints Church, the Church of the Wayfarer, and Carmel Presbyterian Church. In Pebble Beach performances will be held at the awesome Church in the Forest. The Festival reaches out into the community by playing concerts in Monterey, Salinas, Seaside, and King City.”