BACH FAQs
What is BACH’s COVID-19 response?
BACH is back… and dedicated to keeping everyone safe!
While COVID-19 related restrictions remain in effect, BACH is excited to offer a full, three-concert season in 2021-2022, beginning with Wachet Auf (Sleepers Wake) on November 7, 2021 at the Chapel of St. John the Divine. All singers participating in BACH this season are fully vaccinated, and will rehearse and perform while masked.
Audience members attending performances in the 2021-2022 are required to wear a mask at all times while inside of the performance venue. This information is subject to change, pending guidance from local and state authorities. Thank you for your compliance with this process!
What was BACH up to during the 2020-2021 season?
In response to public health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and large gatherings, our 2020-2021 season looked very different. While we were unable to present in-person concerts, we launched an initiative called“Give BACH,” a series of live and archived virtual concerts each month, that featured music from the Baroque period and beyond.
I thought the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana ONLY performed Baroque/early music?
Well, funny you should ask that! “The Baroque Artists of Champaign is proud of the diverse range of its repertoire- from its roots in Baroque music to today’s most exciting new works by living composers!”
Are you affiliated with the University of Illinois?
We are not affiliated with the University of Illinois but there is a RSO (Registered Student Organization) through the university, which encourages the participation of university students.
How old do you have to be to audition?
Singers of a high school age and older are encouraged to audition. We are a particularly good fit for experienced musicians who read music and have a love of choral music-making, but we welcome singers of a variety of experience levels.
If/when I audition, what will I need to prepare?
You will not need to prepare an aria or a song for your audition. At your audition the Music Director will hear you vocalize and sight sing and then discuss your musical background.
What happened to the Christmas concerts BACH used to perform?
Scheduling conflicts with the busy holiday season and inclement weather have influenced BACH not to have an annual Christmas concert BUT we do hold an annual Messiah sing-along which has turned into a wonderful community tradition! We are constantly evaluating our concert season and would welcome your suggestions!
What does my donation go towards?
Your donation goes towards the general functioning costs of the organization such as funding concerts and outreach. Check out this past year’s Annual Report.
Concert Night FAQs
How can I buy tickets?
Tickets may be bought at the concert venue box office using either cash or check (made payable to BACH).
If you would like to buy tickets in advance or to use a credit card, you may do so through Eventbrite. Please check here for the ticket link for the individual concert(s) you are interested in attending. You will be taken to the appropriate Eventbrite page.
Please note: Eventbrite charges an additional convenience fee for purchasing tickets online. BACH does not receive any portion of this fee.
Can I pay by credit card?
If you purchase tickets in advance, you may use a credit card through Eventbrite. Please check here for the ticket link for the individual concert(s) you are interested in attending. You will be taken to the appropriate Eventbrite page.
Tickets bought at the box office on the day of the concert may be purchased using either cash or check (made payable to BACH).
Please note: Eventbrite charges an additional convenience fee for purchasing tickets online. BACH does not receive any portion of this fee.
How can I buy season tickets?
Before our season begins, BACH offers a season pass. The season pass provides tickets to all four of our main concerts for $70 for adults or $30 for students (a savings of $10). We also offer a two-concert pass for $35 for adults and $15 for students (a savings of $5).
These advance-purchase deals are available on our Season Card. If you are on our mailing list (email or USPS), look for this card about six weeks before our season starts. Not on our mailing list yet? You can sign up here.
What ticket discounts do you offer?
BACH offers a discount on our general admission ticket price to students, whether in grade school or graduate school.
Where can I park if your concert is at a campus venue?
Because BACH concerts are on Sundays, meters on campus are not enforced as of this writing. You may street park. You may also park in university lots that are not designated 24-hour lots. Please double check signs and meters to make sure after-hours parking is allowed. BACH is not responsible for any parking charges accrued. For more parking maps and more information, please visit the University’s website here.
What time do the doors open for concerts?
Doors open 30 minutes before the stated concert start time.
Are there restrooms/water fountains/concessions at the concert?
BACH usually uses local churches for our performances. There are always restrooms but the number and location depend on the venue. Likewise, access to water fountains depends on the venue. Most churches have them, but some do not.
BACH does not sell concessions at concerts, but sometimes we may have a reception or afterglow that audience members are welcome to attend. Check your concert program to see if such an event is taking place for your particular concert.
Is there an intermission?
This varies by concert. Shorter concerts may be performed without an intermission.
What do you mean by free-will donation for the Messiah Sing-Along?
BACH is honored to host this beloved annual tradition. We do not charge a ticket fee for this event, but there are still expenses involved--from printing fees to paying soloists. BACH gratefully accepts donations of all sizes at the door to help offset these expenses.