Berkshire Bach: James Bagwell Conducts Magnificat

12:11PM / Wednesday, May 08, 2024Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Berkshire Bach Society continues its 2023-2024 season with a choral event on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 4pm when internationally known choral conductor James Bagwell leads professional soloists, chorus, and Baroque orchestra in two settings of Magnificat by father and son—J.S. and C.P.E. Bach—at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington.

"We're delighted to present James Bagwell, his incomparable singers, and members of The Berkshire Bach Ensemble in Magnificat, in a major choral event," said Terrill McDade, Executive Director of The Berkshire Bach Society. "The Magnificat, also known as the Song of Mary, is one of the oldest hymns in the Christian tradition and the source of inspiration for hundreds of composers over the centuries. The two versions by Bach senior and junior are among the most beloved. Mr. Bagwell has given us so many superb performances of choral works in the past and this year's promises to be another transcendent experience. We're excited to bring Magnificat to our audience and to share the joy, power, and glory of Baroque choral music at its finest."

The concert honors longtime Berkshire Bach chairman, Adrian van Zon, who joined the Board in 1997 and is in his 24th year as chair. As the longest-serving officer in the group's history, he continues to guide The Society in its mission of bringing high quality performances of Baroque music to the Berkshires and surrounding areas. Artistic Director Eugene Drucker comments that "knowing [Mr. van Zon's] love for both choral and instrumental music from the Baroque period, I can think of no better way to honor and thank him for his service to the community than through a performance of these two Magnificats under the expert and inspired direction of James Bagwell."

Tickets to Magnificat are available online at www.berkshirebach.org/events for best selection and at the door. Berkshire Bach member discounts apply. As always, children under 18 and Students with valid ID are admitted FREE.

The Berkshire Bach Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the oldest, continuously operating membership-based music organization in the Berkshires. The group encourages all music lovers to support The Society by joining, by helping sponsor a concert, and by volunteering at their events.

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Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele12:17PM / Saturday, October 03, 2026

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.

EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.

William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building.

Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.

"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.

"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."

Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.

For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series.

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