Ever since March 29th, Winnipeg has been immersed in the rich, intricate sounds of Baroque music, as the Winnipeg Baroque Festival has brought a vibrant series of concerts to venues across the city. Now, the 2026 festival draws to a close with one of its most anticipated traditions, an event that places the music of Bach firmly in the spotlight and stands as a true highlight of the season.
The annual Bach Marathon returns to Young United Church on Saturday, April the 18th at 1 p.m., offering audiences a chance to drop in, settle back, and enjoy an afternoon of timeless music. Presented by the Royal Canadian College of Organists, the event has grown into something far greater than a simple concert. As programming chair Lottie Enns-Braun puts it, “It’s truly amazing.”
A Growing Tradition with Expanding Reach
What began as a smaller initiative has flourished alongside the Winnipeg Baroque Festival, gaining both visibility and momentum. Braun reflects on that evolution, noting, “We were doing this for a couple of years already before the Baroque Festival emerged and asked us to join. So we’re thrilled to be part of that because it really has expanded our audience, and I think our performers. It’s very exciting.”
That growth is perhaps most evident in the diversity of performers who now take part. The marathon welcomes musicians at every stage of their journey, creating a uniquely inclusive environment. Braun explains that this was always part of the vision: “For me personally, the most exciting thing is the young people that are coming. And that was one of our mandates to ourselves, that we really wanted a lot more young people.”
This year’s lineup reflects that commitment in a striking way. “Initially, it was most of us that, you know, have been playing Bach for a long, long time. But this year, our youngest is 10 years old. And we have a great number of, I would say, 10- to mid-20-year-olds. And then, of course, people that are well over 60.” The result is a musical continuum that stretches across generations, where “it’s people who are playing the first piece they ever learned by Bach to people who are university professors and symphony players; and everything in between.”
A Concert Experience Unlike Any Other
Part of the Bach Marathon’s enduring appeal lies in its relaxed, welcoming format. Rather than a formal concert hall setting, the space at Young United Church is transformed into something far more inviting. “Young United Church is extremely flexible space, so there’s no pews that we have to deal with,” Braun explains. “We set tables up. We put about seven chairs around each table.”
This setup allows audiences to experience the music on their own terms. “People are encouraged to come and go,” she says, though many choose to stay far longer than expected. “We’re always astonished at the people that stay for the whole 4 hours.”
Even the smallest details contribute to the atmosphere. Guests are invited to enjoy refreshments throughout the afternoon, though, as Braun notes with a smile, “We encourage them to go get a piece of cake and a coffee whenever they want. They hardly ever do.” This year, organizers have adjusted accordingly, building in more breaks to encourage a more relaxed flow.
Beyond the logistics, however, it is the sense of connection that defines the event. Braun emphasizes the communal aspect, saying, “You know, supporters of the performers will come, of course. And it’s really fun to meet family members that we haven’t met before.” In some cases, the impact extends even further. “We had a few young people last year that were totally gobsmacked by the organ. And one of them took up the opportunity to get an RCCO scholarship and is taking lessons.”
A Program Full of Creativity and Discovery
While Bach’s music forms the foundation of the marathon, the ways in which it is presented continue to evolve, offering fresh perspectives year after year. One of the most intriguing additions this year is a unique instrumental adaptation. “Probably the most unusual is a bassoon professor [Brian Sterriker] is coming in and playing one movement from a cello suite that he’s adapted for bassoon,” Braun says. “It’s the first time we’ve ever had anything like that, so that’s going to be really fun.”
Other performances highlight similar creativity, including a cello and double bass duo [Natanielle Felicitas cello, and Quintin Bart Double bass] reimagining familiar works. “They have started a project adapting the preludes from the well-tempered Clavier, so they’re going to play two of those… as well as an invention.”
The program also reflects a wide range of instrumental colours. “Charmaine Bacon is going to play recorder for one of the sonatas,” Braun notes, while adding that even modern instruments will find their place. “The baroque flute pieces will be played on a modern flute. So it’s a hugely varied program.”
This year, one particular thread runs prominently throughout. “I was thinking as I was driving, it’s a little bit of a tribute to the well-tempered Clavier this year. We’re going to hear a lot from it,” she says, adding with enthusiasm, “Which is a really good thing, but not always on piano.”
Adding a theatrical element to the afternoon, costumed portrayals of Bach and his wife will once again bring history to life. “Absolutely. Yeah, it’s the second generation this year,” Braun explains, noting the transition to new performers. “So Lukas Sawatsky… he will be Bach, and Luz Thiele Meza… they are going to be Anna Magdalena.” With ongoing narration and period costumes, “they’ll be in costume,” offering audiences an added layer of engagement.
Music with a Purpose
Beyond its artistic appeal, the Bach Marathon also serves a meaningful purpose within the community. The event operates on an accessible model, ensuring that anyone can attend. “This is a pay as you are able concert. So we’re not selling tickets,” Braun explains.
Donations collected during the event go toward supporting future musicians through scholarships. “We welcome donations and all of the money… all the profits will go towards the RCCO scholarships.” These opportunities have expanded significantly in recent years. “We offer scholarships for pretty much anybody now. It used to be for young students but we’ve opened that up to almost any age.”
That openness reflects the spirit of the event itself, one that encourages lifelong engagement with music. As Braun puts it, “So even if you know you’re in retirement and think gee I’ve always wanted to learn to play organ, apply for a scholarship. We’ve probably got one.”
A Celebration Not to Be Missed
As the final notes of the festival approach, anticipation continues to build for another memorable afternoon. Braun is particularly excited about a few standout performances, including “the bassoon adaptation,” as well as a compelling collaboration between teacher and student. “There’s the Bach Double Violin Concerto… Nathan Poole… is playing with one of his students who’s a young teenager and apparently is just a whiz.”
Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Winnipeg’s most unique and inspiring musical traditions. Whether you stay for a single performance or settle in for the full afternoon, the Bach Marathon offers a rare opportunity to hear timeless music brought to life by performers of all ages in a warm, welcoming setting. The annual Bach Marathon takes place Saturday, April 18th at 1 p.m. at Young United Church, and with its relaxed atmosphere, incredible variety, and undeniable sense of community, it promises to be a fitting and unforgettable finale to the Winnipeg Baroque Festival.