Richard Erickson Named Music Director Boulder Bach Festival

The Boulder Bach Festival Board of Directors has appointed Richard (Rick) Erickson, noted cantor, organist, and conductor at Holy Trinity Church in New York City, as the new music director, effective July 2011.

“Rick Erickson’s depth of knowledge of Bach and his music is an incredible asset to bring to the festival and the community,” said Dan Seger, president, Boulder Bach Festival Board of Directors. “His knowledge coupled with his extensive experience, both as choral director and organist, brings a richness to the festival that promises to propel it to new artistic levels.”
 

Erickson also directs the renowned Bach Vespers series at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where he presents more than 20 cantatas and other major Bach works each season with the all-professional Bach Choir and Bach Players on period instruments. During the past ten seasons, Erickson has more than doubled the number of performances for the Bach Vespers series. He has performed Bach’s complete organ repertoire twice and is in the midst of the third cycle.

 

Erickson earned a master’s degree in organ performance and literature and received a performer’s certificate from the Eastman School of Music. He studied organ with David Craighead, Lucile Hammill Webb, and Russell Saunders, improvisation with Gerre Hancock, and conducting with Robert DeCormier and David Effron. Erickson holds a bachelor’s degree in music and German from the University of Wisconsin, Superior, where he has been honored as “Distinguished Alumnus” and cited as “one of the 100 distinguished graduates” in the school’s 100th anniversary year. A native of Superior, Wisconsin, Erickson began organ study at the age of fourteen.

“Rick Erickson brings passion and excitement that will carry the Boulder Bach Festival forward,” said Robert (Bob) Spillman, emeritus music director, Boulder Bach Festival, “and he has the artistry and the skills to provide the most exhilarating performances of Bach’s music for our community.” While attending Eastman School of Music, Erickson studied with Spillman.

 

Jim Topping, co-chair, Music Director Search Committee, said, “Rick Erickson is one of this country’s outstanding interpreters of Bach’s choral works as well as a nationally known organist.
We look forward to a long and successful collaboration between the Boulder Bach Festival and
Mr. Erickson.”

 

About the Boulder Bach Festival

The Boulder Bach Festival, founded in 1981, celebrates the music of Johann Sebastian Bach by providing high quality performances and educational opportunities that not only satisfy those who already love Bach’s music, but also introduce Bach’s music to others. It is the premier festival in the Rocky Mountain Region dedicated to the propagation of the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach. For information, see www.boulderbachfestival.org.

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