Bach Talk

Episode 33: Singers' Roundtable #2 with Hannah DePriest, Jay Carter, Dann Coakwell and Elijah Blaisdell

We were having so much fun in the last episode that we had to keep the conversation going. Join Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society’s Scott MacDonald as they continue their fascinating conversation with soprano Hannah De Priest, countertenor Jay Carter, tenor Dann Coakwell and baritone Elijah Blaisdell. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, they have more insight, more embarrassing moments and more life lessons to share. It's a candid look at life in the spotlight that you won’t want to miss.
View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.
Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.
Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Episode 32: Singers' Roundtable #1 with Hannah DePriest, Jay Carter, Dann Coakwell and Elijah Blaisdell

What happens when you put four guest soloists in a room together and let other singers ask them questions? No script, no prompts, no holding back.The result is a fascinating and refreshingly honest roundtable conversation featuring soprano Hannah De Priest, countertenor Jay Carter, tenor Dann Coakwell and baritone Elijah Blaisdell. Joined by Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society’s Scott MacDonald, this episode dives into Handel’s Messiah, the art of singing and the deeper layers of life as a performer.Expect enlightening insight, a few surprise revelations and plenty of laughter along the way.
View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.
Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.
Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Episode 31: Bethlehem’s Bach Heritage with Leela Breithaupt

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been inspiring and enriching audiences through the transformative music of Johann Sebastian Bach since 1898.
In this Bach Talk episode, host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society of Saint Louis' Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger sit down with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem’s Executive Director Leela Breithaupt to explore the rich heritage, enduring impact and vibrant future of this historic organization.
It’s no wonder their remarkable legacy caught the attention of Ron and Dennis at the most recent Chorus America conference.
View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.
Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.
Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Episode 30: Handeling Messiah with Nicholas McGegan

The conversation continues with conductor and baroque specialist Nicholas McGegan as we dive deeper into the story behind Handel’s Messiah. From the fascinating (and sometimes prickly!) relationship between Handel and librettist Charles Jennens to the surprising origins of the work in secular performance spaces, this episode uncovers the history, drama and humanity behind one of the most beloved choral masterworks of all time.
Nic shares vivid stories about the legendary singers who first performed Messiah, explains why Handel put the words first, and reflects on what makes this music timeless. Plus, A. Dennis Sparger offers personal insight as The Bach Society prepares to present a major portion of this extraordinary work.
View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.
Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.
Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Episode 29: Living the Nic Life with Conductor Nicholas McGegan

Known for his spirited approach to music-making, internationally acclaimed conductor Nicholas McGegan is currently in his sixth decade as a conductor, harpsichordist, and baroque specialist. Following a 34-year tenure with the San Francisco-based Philharmonia Baroque, the orchestra and chorale he founded, Maestro McGegan now spends his time visiting the cities he enjoys most, including St. Louis. Join Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger as they meet up with Nic to discuss his early career in Missouri and his views on conducting.
Tune in for a delightful conversation that showcases his reputation for bringing joy into every encounter.
View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.
Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.
Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Episode 28: Crossing Borders Matters with conductor Ahmed Anzaldúa

From Bach and Handel to new and rarely performed music from Latin America, Border CrosSing is making waves and breaking down barriers. By combining musical and cultural styles, this Minnesota-based, award-winning choral group is intentional about crossing borders through choral music to impact singers and audiences alike.
The Bach Society’s Scott MacDonald and Zach Singer sat down with Founder and Artistic Director Ahmed Anzaldúa at the 2025 Chorus America Conference. Their conversation reveals how artistic risk can bring deep reward and why music matters in the many forms it takes.
View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.
Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.
Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Episode 27: A Candlelight Tradition with The Bach Society of Saint Louis

In this special holiday edition of Bach Talk, host Ron Klemm takes you behind the scenes of The Bach Society of Saint Louis’ cherished Christmas Candlelight Concert, returning to Powell Hall on December 23. Hear from members of the chorus, orchestra and team at The Bach Society as they share what makes this concert so meaningful. From the Candlelight Processional to the mix of traditional carols and reimagined works, this concert has been a St. Louis tradition for over 70 years. With a preview of this year’s program, discover why so many say, “It isn’t Christmas without it.”
View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.
Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.
Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Episode 26: Passing on the Joy with Clara Rottsolk

Whether in the studio, on stage or in a collaboration, soprano Clara Rottsolk brings joy to her work. Lauded by The New York Times for her “clear, appealing voice and expressive conviction,” she’s a sought-after performer on several continents. As Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society’s Assistant Executive Director Danielle Feinstein learned, perhaps Clara’s greatest joy comes from sharing her artistry and passing along a legacy of excellence.
In this episode, she reflects on her upbringing as the child of church musicians and the lessons that help her stay grounded in an unpredictable career, from surprise debuts to redefining success on her own terms.
View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.
Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.
Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Episode 25: Turning the Page with Maestro A. Dennis Sparger

From the podium to the podcast mic, our conductor is once again taking center stage on Bach Talk. Ron Klemm and Scott MacDonald sit down with Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger as he reflects on his 40 years with The Bach Society of Saint Louis and shares insights about the music he loves. In this episode, he also takes us inside Mozart’s immortal Requiem, the opening work of our 85th season, exploring what makes it so powerful and why it continues to move audiences.
View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.
Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.
Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.

Episode 24: Essentially Curious with Conductor Philip Brunelle

From calling Aaron Copland on a whim to commissioning works for James Earl Jones, Philip Brunelle’s career is marked by bold ideas, fearless curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to music. Bach Talk Host Ron Klemm and Bach Society's Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger sit down with the legendary founder of VocalEssence; one of the world's premier choral organizations based in Minneapolis, MN. A member of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, Philip shares stories from six decades on the podium, his belief in trust between singers and leaders, and how curiosity continues to drive his work today.View the Bach Talk Show Notes here.Learn more about The Bach Society of Saint Louis at bachsociety.org.Bach Talk is a Registered trademark of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.