SC Bach, South Carolinas Bach Society
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:21 pm
South Carolina Baroque Music Festival Returns for Second Year
The South Carolina Bach Society has announced the second annual South Carolina Baroque Music Festival, scheduled for May 15-17, 2026. This weekend-long event will showcase Baroque music performed by specialist musicians using period instruments and Baroque tuning.
The festival's theme this year is "Baroque Beyond Borders," highlighting the international scope of the Baroque era. The event will feature performers from local, regional, national, and international backgrounds. The Baroque period, generally spanning from 1600 to 1750, will be represented through the music of renowned composers like Handel and Vivaldi, alongside lesser-known composers from various countries.
The festival's schedule is structured around daily themes, each focusing on a different region's Baroque music. Attendees can expect to hear music from Italy, Spain and the New World, and England. The event will include six concerts throughout the weekend, along with two lectures and an Italian wine tasting on Friday evening.
The festival kicks off on Friday at noon with a free "Lunch-and-Learn" session focusing on Handel's Messiah, led by Dr. David Rhyne, the SC Bach's Artistic Director, and Dr. Gary Malvern, a retired music faculty member. The Messiah will also be the closing performance of the festival. Daytime events are free, while evening concerts require tickets.
BNN's Perspective: The South Carolina Baroque Music Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience a specific period of music. The inclusion of international performers and lesser-known composers promises a diverse and enriching experience for attendees. The combination of free daytime events and ticketed evening concerts provides accessibility for a wide range of music enthusiasts.
Keywords: South Carolina Baroque Music Festival, Baroque music, Handel, Vivaldi, Baroque composers, period instruments, Baroque tuning, concerts, lectures, Italian wine tasting, Messiah, SC Bach Society, music festival, music events, music performance