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Civic oboe Guillermo Ulloa joins Civic strings for a selection entitled “Dancing with J.S. Bach” as part of the Bach Marathon program presented at UCAN for a community audience.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The Civic Orchestra’s Bach Marathon has become a treasured tradition and annual highlight for Civic musicians and community members in Chicago. This year marked the twelfth annual Bach Marathon for the Negaunee Music Institute.
On December 15, Civic musicians travelled to perform at 10 community partner sites in Chicago neighborhoods on the South, West, and North sides of the city, before coming together for a grand finale concert that evening at Fourth Presbyterian Church. Each of the five performing ensembles visited two organizations, for a total of 58 musicians and Civic Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur sharing the inspiring and joyful music of J.S. Bach. Their performances, featuring Bach’s beloved Brandenburg concertos Nos. 3-6, as well as a string orchestra playing Bach’s O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß, were shared with more than 350 community members at organizations supporting seniors, people experiencing homelessness and individuals with disabilities.
A festive setting and warm welcome was shared with Civic musicians by the hosts and listeners at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, one of 10 community sites for the 2025 Bach Marathon.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Each year, the Bach Marathon provides an opportunity for musicians to embody the mission of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, offering moments of respite and connection with a wide range of audiences across the city.
In planning this year’s Bach Marathon, the Negaunee Music Institute staff and Civic musicians focused on building connections with organizations who provide a wide range of social services and support.
In addition to return visits at Chicago Commons, Erie House and Sarah’s Circle, where the Bach Marathon performances have taken place previously, music was shared at seven new community sites, including: City of Chicago Southwest Regional Senior Center, Deborah’s Place, Gateway to Learning, Lincoln Park Community Services, RefugeeONE, SPARC and UCAN.
Civic musicians share the joy of some of Bach’s most beloved music with community members on Chicago’s South side at Chicago Commons during the 2025 Bach Marathon.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
A welcoming atmosphere followed the Civic musicians as they shared music in many neighborhoods. Sheila Gray, a North Lawndale community member and member of New Upper Room MB Church who listened to the performance at the UCAN site said, “Today was just an absolute wonderful day, the music was just what I needed, so full of hope and joy.” Nathanial Gaither, another North Lawndale community member and a staff member at Lawndale Christian Development Center also attended the concert at UCAN and said, “The concert was absolutely relaxing, phenomenal.” Following the performance at the SPARC (Shelter Placement and Resource) Center, a listener commented, “That was just magnificent, you really brought us some holiday spirit.”
Civic musicians also shared their thoughts about participating in the Bach Marathon with Civic Flute Daniel Fletcher, saying “The Bach Marathon was one of the most impactful Civic projects I have taken a part in to date. The communities that we performed for were so engaged and curious about what we do, and we could see the impact that we were making in real time.” Civic Bass Tony Sanfilippo Jr. added, "Bringing music to communities around Chicago means a lot to me. As musicians in Chicago, we want to bring music to people. I feel like that’s the point of Bach Marathon. People don’t have to come to us. We want to show them that we are there for them, physically and sonically.”
