Carmel Bach Festival moves to fall for the 2021 edition

After being forced to cancel in 2020 because of the pandemic, the Carmel Bach Festival is planning to come back this year, but in the fall.

The traditional two-week July festival is planned for Oct. 23-Nov. 5 this year. It will once again feature a variety of concerts mainly at the Sunset Cultural Center and additional events in other venues subject to their becoming available.

“After considering all relevant factors, we are now committed to presenting a Festival which will safely enable the largest number of our dedicated patrons once again to enjoy the superlative live music for which the Festival is known,” said Carmel Bach Festival President Cyril Yansouni in a press release Tuesday. “For more

than 80 years, the Festival has been the high point on the July arts calendar on the Monterey Peninsula. This year, a fall schedule offers the best opportunity for a joyous celebration and

reunion with our musicians and patrons.”

The Festival said ticket availability will be announced at a later date as plans become more formalized. For now, the repertoire will include Bach’s Mass in B-Minor, Brandenburg Concerti, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, Handel’s Ode to St. Cecilia,

and the traditional Chorale concert. The program may be expanded should public health regulations continue to relax.

The 2021 Festival will also honor Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Paul Goodwin as he concludes an 11-year tenure as the artistic leader of the Festival.