Baldwin Wallace University

Photo by Erik Drost — Baldwin Wallace University

2026 ABS Biennial Meeting and Conference
Celebrating Bach
1–4 October 2026
Riemenschneider Bach Institute at
Baldwin Wallace University — Berea, Ohio
Call for Proposals

Baldwin Wallace University (BW) is home to the first collegiate Bach Festival in the United States, the Riemenschneider Bach Institute, and BACH: The Journal of the Riemenschneider Bach Institute. In recognition of BW’s long history of promoting Bach, the biennial meeting is centered around the idea of “celebrating Bach.” In both papers and panel discussions, presenters will critically investigate the past, present, and future of the many ways in which we celebrate Bach.

Keynote Address by Bettina Varwig, University of Cambridge, author of Music in the Flesh and editor of Rethinking Bach

Concert by Les Délices, the highly regarded period-instrument ensemble founded in 2009 by baroque oboist Debra Nagy

Organ recital and masterclass by Balint Karosi, the Hungarian organist based in New York City known for his interpretation of Bach’s organ music and his Baroque style improvisations

Panel discussions:

  • Cantata BWV 174, moderated by Daniel R. Melamed
  • Bach Festivals and Commemorations, moderated by Rebekah Franklin
  • Improvisation in Bach Performance, moderated by Ruben Valenzuela

Scholarly papers
Exhibit of original cantata parts

Location: Berea is an historic, residential community just 20 minutes from Cleveland. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is three miles from the Baldwin Wallace campus.

A detailed schedule and information regarding hotel accommodation will be posted, and registration will open, on March 21, 2026. Special rates apply for current members of the ABS. For information on applying for travel grants, please contact the ABS Vice-President.

Please join us — Bach scholars, performers, students and connoisseurs — for a delightful weekend of music, papers on current research, vigorous discussion, and socializing.

Questions? Please contact the ABS Vice-President.