In the world of Bach, Baldwin Wallace is among a prestigious group of universities revered for historic and artistic archives and vision, which is why BW became the premier destination for an elite group of scholars, performers and melophiles*.
In October, the 2026 American Bach Society (ABS) held its biennial meeting in Berea, Ohio, placing BW among distinguished previous hosts such as Harvard University, Stanford University and Yale University.
The four-day event attracted guests from across the globe as well as members of BW's Conservatory of Performing Arts, including a special masterclass that spotlighted BW student Faith Rawlins '27 receiving mentorship from Hungarian organist and composer Bálint Karosi.
Renowned global resource
In an article about the ABS published by the Plain Dealer, writer Zachary Lewis detailed how the impressive holdings of BW's acclaimed Riemenschneider Bach Institute (RBI) reflect a wealth of Bach scores and Bach-related artifacts.
According to Dr. Christina Fuhrmann, BW professor of music history and literature and editor of BACH: Journal of the Riemenschneider Bach Institute, the University's historic and artistic connection to Bach is not only acclaimed worldwide but also provides a rich and scholarly learning experience for students.
"Bach is embedded in the past and present of BW. Albert and Selma Riemenschneider founded the BW Bach Festival in 1933, and it is still the longest-running collegiate Bach Festival," she explained.
"Albert dedicated his extensive library of Bach scores and books to BW, which led to the founding of the Riemenschneider Bach Institute in 1969 and BACH: Journal of the Riemenschneider Bach Institute in 1970," she added.
"The Festival, the Institute and the Journal have been integral to BW, the ABS, and Bach lovers worldwide. Numerous scholars have given pre-concert lectures at the Festival. In addition, RBI's Martha Goldsworthy Arnold Fellowship has attracted world-renowned scholars to the RBI to research and teach our students," she went on to say.
"The ABS's Frances Alford Brokaw Grant brings an undergraduate student from another institution to work in the RBI each year, and the BACH Journal is one of the most prestigious outlets for Bach research in the world," emphasized Fuhrmann.
Master of music 'offering something for everyone'
The 2026 ABS event was organized locally by Fuhrmann as well as Dr. Danielle Kuntz, associate professor of music history and literature, and BW Jones Music librarian Bonnie Eggers.
In describing the highlights of the ABS 2026 meeting, Fuhrmann noted the busy weekend included concerts, masterclasses and paper presentations.
"An especially memorable roundtable on Bach Festivals included BW's own Dr. Dirk Garner alongside directors of Bach Festivals from Leipzig, Bethlehem (Pa.) and Malaysia."
BW's BACH Journal (edited by Fuhrmann) received the ABS's William H. Scheide prize for an article published in the Journal, a record sixth time the Scheide prize has been awarded to an article in the Journal.
In summing up the splendor of Bach in the Plain Dealer article, Fuhrmann explained how there is something for everyone to enjoy.
"'In Bach's creations,'" Fuhrmann said, "'I'm always finding something new and refreshing. If you want to completely geek out, you can do that. But it's also just beautiful music, and very moving.'"
*Melophile refers to someone who deeply loves music.
