NOT EVERY CONCERT IN THE 2025 CARMEL BACH FESTIVAL LENDS ITSELF TO FORMAL ATTIRE. Some, like the popular family concert "The Epic Adventures of Leonard & Rasmus," demand a different vibe. The program, led by Suzanne Mudge, takes the stage Saturday, July 19 at 11am at the Sunset Center. It’s free; the one-hour program is suitable for ages 3 and up.
Andrew Arthur has served as director and as principal organist for the festival since 1999 and this year, he will offer a rare opportunity to hear a piece written for the antique harpsichord actually played on harpsichord. Haydn’s Harpsichord Concerto in D major is usually performed on the piano.
“It’s a great opportunity for concertgoers to hear this work on the instrument it was originally written for,” Festival Executive Director Nathan Lutz says. “And the energetic piece showcases fast technical passages and speed that will make this less familiar instrument much more accessible.” The performance is at Sunset Center at 7:30pm July 14 and 21.
And even before the main festival events, pre-programming pushed the genre limits. Grammy-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux offered a one-time concert of three Bach masterpieces and a composition called “Four Paths Of Light” written for him by jazz master Pat Metheny on July 9.
CARMEL BACH FESTIVAL runs Saturday July 12-26 (with some pre-festival concerts). Various venues on the Monterey Peninsula. $15-$170; some concerts are free to attend. 624-1521, bachfestival.org