Bach Talk

Bach Talk host Ron Klemm sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning music critic, author and educator Tim Page. Looking back on a storied career with The New York Times and The Washington Post, Tim reflects on the golden era of arts journalism and how a childhood love for recordings turned into a lifelong passion for music commentary.
Beyond the newsroom, Tim opens up about his journey with neurodiversity, navigating adulthood before discovering his autism diagnosis at age 45, and his remarkable recovery from a near-fatal brain injury in 2015. It is a deeply moving conversation on resilience, mortality and what it truly means to write and live with purpose.
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.

The Singers’ Roundtable conversation isn't over yet!
Picking up right where Episode 36 left off, Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society's Scott MacDonald return to the mic with guest soloists soprano Nola Richardson, mezzo-soprano Veronica Roan, tenor Steven Soph and bass-baritone Tyler Duncan. In Part 2 of this fascinating roundtable, the soloists tackle the rest of the burning questions submitted by members of The Bach Society Chorus. This second half delivers plenty of enlightening insight into collaboration, the deeper point of it all and a few embarrassing on-stage moments they thought were kept secret!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.

Singers asked the questions. Singers answered the questions!
Members of The Bach Society Chorus submitted their burning questions for Bach’s Magnificat guest soloists soprano Nola Richardson, mezzo-soprano Veronica Roan, tenor Steven Soph and bass-baritone Tyler Duncan. Bach Talk host Ron Klemm and The Bach Society's Scott MacDonald brought them straight to the mic. From vocal technique to life on the road, this conversation covers the joys and realities of singing together, with plenty of laughs 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.

We're kicking off Bach Talk Season Four by stepping back into time!
Every great legacy starts with a vision. Bach Talk host Ron Klemm explores that vision with Kevin Heyne, who'll unveil memories and early impressions of his grandfather, The Bach Society Founder Dr. William B. Heyne. This episode also features a rare recording of Dr. Heyne, sharing fascinating insights about the foundation of this remarkable journey as the first Conductor of The Bach Society of Saint Louis.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.