Episodes

  • Episode 29: Living the Nic Life with Conductor Nicholas McGegan
    Jan 20 2026

    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.

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    40 mins
  • Episode 28: Crossing Borders Matters with conductor Ahmed Anzaldúa
    Dec 23 2025

    Tune in for the latest on Bach Talk: Crossing Borders Matters.

    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.

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    42 mins
  • Episode 27: A Candlelight Tradition with The Bach Society of Saint Louis
    Nov 18 2025

    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.

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    43 mins
  • Episode 26: Passing on the Joy with Clara Rottsolk
    Oct 14 2025

    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.

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    40 mins
  • Episode 25: Turning the Page with Maestro A. Dennis Sparger
    Sep 16 2025

    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.

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    40 mins
  • Episode 24: Essentially Curious with Conductor Philip Brunelle
    Aug 19 2025

    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.

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    45 mins
  • Episode 23: Being an Artist is Cool with Bethany Worrell
    Jul 22 2025

    Host Ron Klemm is joined by Danielle Feinstein, Assistant Executive Director of The Bach Society of Saint Louis, to kick off season three of Bach Talk with soprano Bethany Worrell. They talk about how teaching and performing go hand in hand and what it means to grow as both an artist and educator. Bethany shares stories from her career, reflections on choosing growth over perfection and why “being an artist is very cool.” 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.

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    44 mins
  • Episode 22: “Let Us Be, Let Us Grow” with Conductor Leonard Slatkin
    Jun 17 2025

    In this special live episode of Bach Talk, recorded at the 2025 Chorus America Conference, host Ron Klemm sits down with legendary conductor Leonard Slatkin for an intimate conversation spanning his remarkable career. The six-time Grammy winner shares captivating stories from growing up during Hollywood's golden age, where Rubinstein and Stravinsky played on the family piano, to his current projects and passion for the arts. From conducting techniques to the challenges facing the arts in America today, this unscripted conversation features live audience Q&A and performances by The Bach Society Chorus, capturing Slatkin's passion, wisdom and his rallying cry: "Let us be. Let us grow."

    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.

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    1 hr and 1 min