In celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach’s 341st birthday, Broad Bay Congregational Church invites the community to drop in and pause for a glorious 1 p.m., Friday, March 20 concert by Dr. Kevin Birch of Bangor for organ and harpsichord. Broad Bay Congregational Church is at 941 Main Street in Waldoboro.

The concert will highlight the unique sounds of each instrument. The harpsichord, owned by Dr. Kevin Birch is a Flemish Single after Ruckers, and was built by Jeremy Adams of Massachusetts. And the organ is the church’s and a restored 1875 E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings Organ, Opus 793.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is arguably known as one of the greatest composers of Western music. He was a master of the Baroque. As a court organist in Germany, he wrote extensively for that instrument and other keyboard instruments such as the harpsichord.

“From the noble Toccata and Fugue in d minor to Bach’s own transcription of a solo cello suite -- listeners will be transported to the beauties of the 18th century as they might have been expressed in both church and domestic settings,” says Dr. Kevin Birch.

Dr. Birch will introduce each piece and at the concert’s conclusion, he’ll answer questions from the audience. Then, audience is invited downstairs to celebrate again -- with birthday cake, baked in honor of the composer’s 341st birthday.

Kevin Birch began organ studies with Yuko Hayashi on the C. B. Fisk organ at Old West Church in 1979 and earned the Bachelor of Music Degree at New England Conservatory (with Distinction in Performance) in 1987.  He continued studies with Klaas Bolt at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam and later with Delores Bruch at the University of Iowa where he earned the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees.

He has performed organ recitals in the US, Canada, Europe, and in South America, and for several national conventions of the Organ Historical Society.  He is especially devoted to the many fine historic organs in Maine on which he enjoys frequent opportunities to teach, study and perform. 

He is also devoted to the art of the clavichord and is a member of the Dutch Clavichord Society, German Clavichord Society, and the Boston Clavichord Society.  Recent projects include solo clavichord recitals in New England and in Germany, and lecture/recitals on “The Clavichord and the Organ - Companions for Centuries” at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY., Oberlin Conservatory in Oberlin, Ohio, and various locations in the state of Maine. 

The concert is free with donations gratefully accepted. For more information, email or phone: mail@broadbaychurch.org or 207-832-6898.

Broad Bay Congregational Church United Church of Christ is an open and affirming congregation. “No matter who you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” United Church of Christ.