HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The 34th annual Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival will return to Harrisonburg June 8–14, 2026, offering a weeklong celebration of classical and contemporary music centered on the works of J.S. Bach and other composers spanning centuries of musical tradition.

Held across venues on the campus of Eastern Mennonite University and in downtown Harrisonburg, the festival features most events free of charge, with remaining concerts offered on a “pay what you will” basis.

2026 Theme: “Creative Inventions”

This year’s theme, “Creative Inventions,” draws inspiration from Bach’s keyboard “Inventions” as well as his broader legacy of musical reinvention—transforming sacred choral works into instrumental concertos and exploring bold formats such as compositions for multiple harpsichords.

Organizers also connect the theme to scientific and cultural breakthroughs of Bach’s era, including advances in astronomy and clockmaking. The festival notes that Bach’s music was even included on the Golden Record aboard Voyager I, representing humanity’s artistic achievement beyond the solar system.

Featured Concerts

Two major evening concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium at Eastern Mennonite University, featuring the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Orchestra, choir, and soloists under Principal Conductor Daniel Myssyk.

On Friday, June 12, the orchestra will perform works including Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3, along with pieces by Alberto Ginastera, Franz Liszt, Lili Boulanger, and Benjamin Britten. Pianist Eric Fung will perform Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1.

The Saturday, June 13 concert will feature George Frideric Handel’s Dixit Dominus, along with works by Bach, Gabriel Fauré, Ottorino Respighi, and contemporary composer Julian Grant.

Noon Concert Series in Downtown Harrisonburg

A series of free noon concerts at Asbury United Methodist Church will run throughout the week, beginning June 8 with Bach’s Goldberg Variations performed by Eric Fung.

Additional programs include reinterpretations of Baroque works, new compositions, and performances by visiting artists and ensembles such as the Virginia Baroque Academy orchestra.

Later concerts highlight themes of invention, inspiration from the Voyager Golden Record, and performances by contemporary musicians including Grammy-nominated cellist Amanda Gookin and saxophone quartet Øra NØir.

Special Events and Community Performances

Festival events extend beyond traditional concert halls. Rock Bach @ Pale Fire will be held June 9 at Pale Fire Brewing Company, featuring local bands Rebecca Porter and Babe Lewis.

The Virginia Baroque Academy, a partner program of the festival, will also present faculty and student performances, including a final concert and reception showcasing period instruments and Baroque technique training.

A public lecture by composer Julian Grant at the Massanutten Regional Library will explore the historical and cultural influence of 18th-century Afro-British composer Ignatius Sancho.

Leipzig Service Closes the Festival

The week concludes June 14 with a traditional Leipzig-style worship service at Lehman Auditorium, modeled after the liturgy of Bach’s time in Leipzig. The service includes Bach’s cantata Es ist ein trotzig und verzagt Ding and congregational singing, led by Assistant Conductor Benjamin Bergey.

Musicians and Leadership

Principal Conductor Daniel Myssyk leads the festival orchestra and choir, bringing extensive experience from orchestras in Canada and the United States. Assistant Conductor Benjamin Bergey, an Eastern Mennonite University faculty member, directs choral activities and leads the festival choir.

The orchestra includes approximately 65 musicians from across the United States, many of whom return annually, while the 50-member volunteer choir consists largely of local singers who rehearse intensively throughout the week.

About the Festival

Founded in 1993, the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival presents a mix of orchestral, chamber, choral, and educational programming each summer. The festival operates independently as a nonprofit organization and is supported through donations, grants, sponsorships, and ticket sales.

More information is available at Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival.