Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival and More Classical Music Events This Weekend

Concerts, choirs, and collaborations highlight the classical music scene in Cleveland this spring.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:04am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in contrasting colors, conceptually representing the energy and variety of a classical music festival.A vibrant celebration of classical music in Cleveland, with diverse performances that captivate audiences.Cleveland Today

The annual Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival kicks off this weekend, featuring concerts led by Dirk Garner and performances of works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Arvo Pärt, and more. In addition, there are several other classical music events happening in the Cleveland area, including concerts by the Cleveland Women's Orchestra, Linking Legacies collective, Sounds of St. James, and the Cleveland Chamber Symphony collaborating with Cleveland Contemporary Ballet.

Why it matters

The Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival is a longstanding tradition that brings world-class classical music performances to the Cleveland area each spring. These events showcase the region's vibrant classical music scene and provide opportunities for the community to experience a diverse range of composers and musical styles.

The details

The Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival opens on Friday with a 'Concerto Countdown' of Bach's concertos for four, three, and two harpsichords. On Saturday, the festival features performances of Arvo Pärt's Berliner Mass and Magnificat, as well as Bach's Mass in g and Magnificat. Other notable events include concerts by the Cleveland Women's Orchestra, Linking Legacies collective, Sounds of St. James, and the Cleveland Chamber Symphony collaborating with Cleveland Contemporary Ballet.

  • The Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival runs from April 17-19, 2026.
  • The Cleveland Women's Orchestra concert is on Sunday, April 20 at 3:30 pm.
  • The Linking Legacies concert is on Sunday, April 20 at 4 pm.
  • The Sounds of St. James concert is on Sunday, April 20 at 4 pm.
  • The Cleveland Chamber Symphony and Cleveland Contemporary Ballet collaboration is on Sunday, April 20 at 4:30 pm.

The players

Dirk Garner

The conductor who leads the major concerts at the Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival.

Eric Benjamin

The conductor of the Cleveland Women's Orchestra.

Linking Legacies

A collective of African-American classical musicians raising awareness of local African-American composers.

Elena Bailey

The director of the Case Western Reserve University Early Music Singers.

James Flood

The director of the Aeterna Chamber Choir.

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What’s next

Tickets for the Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival and other classical music events in Cleveland are available for purchase online or at the venue box offices.

The takeaway

This weekend's classical music offerings in Cleveland showcase the region's vibrant and diverse classical music scene, from the renowned Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival to innovative collaborations between local ensembles. These events provide opportunities for the community to experience a wide range of composers and musical styles.