Berkshire Bach Society Presents Renée Anne Louprette in Organ Recital

Print Story | Email Story

HOUSATONIC, Mass. — The Berkshire Bach Society is set to present the first event in its Organ Masters series with a recital by Renée Anne Louprette on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM.

The recital will take place at the historic UU Meeting House in Housatonic, showcasing the 1893 Johnson Organ.

Louprette's program, titled Best of Bach—The Great Organ Works, will feature some of Bach's most iconic organ pieces, including the renowned Toccata in D minor, BWV 565 and several transcriptions from his cantatas, such as Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Sheep May Safely Graze, and Sleepers Awake. The performance will offer a fresh perspective on these well-loved works, played on the sweet-voiced Johnson Organ.

Louprette, an accomplished organist and Assistant Professor of Music at Bard College, has performed globally and received a Fulbright research grant to document historic organ restorations in Romania. She will be joined by Bach scholar George B. Stauffer, who will provide commentary on Bach's life and musical legacy.

Tickets for the event are $45 for nonmembers, $40 for Berkshire Bach members, and $10 with a Card to Culture. Children and students with valid ID are admitted for free. For more information, visit www.berkshirebach.org/events.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Coco's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant. 

View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories