Oregon Bach Festival Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Berwick Academy for Historically Informed Performance

Oregon Bach Festival is proud to announce the 10th anniversary of its esteemed Berwick Academy for Historically Informed Performance (BA), a groundbreaking program that has transformed the lives and careers of young musicians since its inception in the summer of 2015.

“The 10th anniversary of Berwick Academy is a powerful reminder of music’s enduring legacy—passed from one generation to the next,” BA Director, Jos van Veldhoven, stated. “Those who were young musicians a decade ago are now accomplished artists, ready to share their knowledge with the next generation. This ongoing cycle is one of the most inspiring aspects of the musical tradition.”

Berwick Academy was established in 2015 through the generous vision and support of Phyllis Berwick and her late husband Andrew, whose landmark $7 million gift helped bring the program to life. Since then, BA has quickly risen to international prominence as one of the world’s leading orchestral training programs focused exclusively on historically informed performance practice, recreating the styles and sounds originally heard in Baroque and Classical music.

Berwick Academy is one of the few educational programs in the US that exclusively features period performance. During the immersive two-week program, students participate in intensive master classes, sectionals, musicology seminars, and chamber music coachings, all with a distinguished faculty of top performers and educators in the field. Beyond the rigorous training, the Academy fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration, creating lasting connections among its participants. 

“It’s a privilege to share my experience with the 'Berwiskers,' and to in turn be inspired by their enthusiasm, exceptional skill and optimism,” remarks faculty member Marc Destrubé. The collaborative atmosphere extends beyond formal sessions, with alumni often recalling spontaneous musical gatherings that fostered deep bonds and shared passion.

The impact of Berwick Academy is evident in the flourishing careers of its alumni. Many have gone on to perform with leading ensembles and orchestras internationally, often collaborating with peers they met during their time in Eugene. Augusta McKay Lodge, an alum of the inaugural BA  class who will return this year to perform with the professional Baroque Orchestra, highlights the program's lasting connections: “It’s amazing how many of the people I met at Berwick I still work with today,” says Lodge. “That kind of network is invaluable.” 

Phyllis Berwick reflects on the program's enduring legacy: “We have so enjoyed the ripple effect of the Berwick Academy musicians. It has been such a blessing to see the students grow, develop, and continue to make beautiful music long after they’ve left.”

Celebrate the Berwick Academy’s 10th anniversary and experience the next generation of historically informed performers live on stage:

Beethoven’s First Akademie June 27, 7:30 PM, Beall Concert Hall [ticket link]
Discovery: The Leipzig Popular Music Scene July 5, 7:30 PM, Soreng Theater [ticket link]

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Oregon Bach Festival has presented the masterworks of J.S. Bach, and composers inspired by his work, to audiences in Eugene and throughout the State of Oregon for more than five decades. In addition to traditional choral-orchestral masterworks, the Festival also presents internationally renowned guest artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Midori, Pink Martini, and Philip Glass, and offers educational opportunities, children and family programing, and community events.

The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO School of Music and Dance presents more than 300 concerts and events during the academic year featuring scholars, guest artists, faculty artists, and student ensembles. The wealth of concert material ranges from contemporary dance to African dance, early and classical music to contemporary music, world music, and jazz.