INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL
EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The Miami Bach Society is now your ticket to baroque music around the world! With a generous grant from The Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, The Miami Bach Society (MBS) established its International Cultural Exchange Program in July 2000. The International Cultural Exchange program fosters a transatlantic partnership of cultural sharing by: 1) establishing an information exchange in the area of baroque music and 2) providing a reciprocal exchange of baroque artists each year.

The International Cultural Exchange Program began in France, specifically Aix-en-Provence and Versailles. In July 2000, leaders of The Miami Bach Society visited The Center of Baroque Music at Versailles, and Aix-en-Provence, France - the sister-city to Coral Gables, FL.  At Versailles, steps are now in place for an educational exchange program between the United States and The Center of Baroque Music. This provides a rich resource for American students and baroque music enthusiasts to access information from the location providing the world’s most extensive source of baroque music and information.  In exchange, The Center will utilize our input to build upon The Center’s success (visit The Center of Baroque Music at Versailles now. Tour their web-site at www.cmbv.culture.fr.).   Through the Palace of Versailles, the valuable connection to performing artists is immeasurable to The Miami Bach Society season offerings.  In Aix-en-Provence, phase I of an artist exchange took place. Miami Bach Society artistic coordinator and harpsichordist Robert Heath performed in recital to full capacity within the 17th Century setting of the Chapelle -Sainte Catherine.

Phase II of this exchange occurred January 21, 2001 on one of three MBS Regular Season concerts. At a program held in the Coral Gables Congregational Church, from Aix-en-Provence the ensemble known as Les Festes d’Orphée  performed. A noted cast of recorder, viola da gamba and voices, this group clearly states the charm and elegance of baroque music.

Continuing Phase II of this International Cultural Exchange to France, Miami Bach Society instrumentalists and vocalists traveled to France to perform an exchange between July 8-15, 2001.  This exchange involved the modern European debut performance of Joseph-Antoine Lorenzitti's Messe a Grande Symphonie presented to the MBS by The Center of Baroque Music at Versailles in July 2000 (to critical acclaim, this work received its American modern debut in Miami on October 15, 2000 by The Miami Bach Society Orchestra and Chorus as part of the MBS 2000-01 season).  The July 2001 France performance took place in collaboration between MBS musicians and French musicians.  In addition, music from the American revolutionary period (music from Thomas Jefferson’s library) was presented in concert by the MBS Chorus and Orchestra.  These performances took place within the American Cathedral in Paris and Chapelle Saint-Catherine in Aix-en-Provence, the sister-city to Coral Gables, FL. 

In February 2002, renowned French Organist Jean Guillou traveled to South Florida under the patronage of The Miami Bach Society.  In Florida, Mr. Guillou performed in recital and conducted master classes for young musicians.  This exchange was reciprocated with MBS organist and Artistic Coordinator, Robert Heath, traveling to France with members of the MBS Chorus.  A performance of J.S. Bach's Organ Mass was given at Mr. Guillou's resident Paris cathedral, St.  Eustache.  Subsequent performances were given in Aix-en-Provence. 

In the planning stage is a return to Versailles. Sometime soon, within the Palace of Versailles Royal Chapel, members of The Miami Bach Society Chamber Orchestra and Chorus will assemble with French musicians in a performance of the Messe a Grande  Symphonie en Ut Mineur by Joseph-Antoine Lorenzitti.  Also in the planning is a South American cultural exchange program. 

Stay connected to miamibachsociety.org for updates on the International Cultural Exchange Program travels.  We welcome your company as we meet, greet, share and learn more about our friends throughout the world.