Opening of our 71st Season – BachWalk: Early Musical Journeys of Johann Sebastian Bach
On Monday, September 28, 2026, the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists opens its 71st season at Christ Church Alexandria with BachWalk: Early Musical Journeys of Johann Sebastian Bach. The evening pairs a chapter social and officer installation with a free public mini-recital and the premiere screening of a new documentary exploring the organs, positions, and travels that shaped Bach’s early career. It also serves as a farewell tribute to longtime chapter member Alvin "Ted" Gustin, who is sharing his music library with fellow members.
The featured documentary, directed by Erin Marin of UCLA and EarmarkFilms, follows Bach’s early musical journeys, most notably his 1705–1706 trip to Lübeck to learn from Dietrich Buxtehude. The 30-minute film includes performances by organists currently serving in churches where Bach played, as well as by German-American organist Christoph Bull. Live music by Buxtehude and Bach, performed by Northern Virginia AGO members Chris Betts and JJ Mitchell on Christ Church’s new Harrison & Harrison organ, opens and closes the screening.
When: Monday, September 28, 2026. Drinks, dinner, dessert, and installation of officers begin at 6:00 p.m.; the mini-recital and film premiere begin at 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Christ Church Alexandria, 118 N. Washington Street, Alexandria. Parking is available on adjacent streets.
Tickets: The mini-recital and film are free and open to the public. The preceding chapter dinner, including drinks, dinner, and dessert, costs $30.
Schedule: 6:00 p.m. — drinks, dinner, dessert, and installation of new AGO Chapter Officers; 7:30 p.m. — mini-recital and film premiere.
Lineup: Live organ performances by Northern Virginia AGO members Chris Betts and JJ Mitchell; appearances in the film by Christoph Bull and by current organists at churches where Bach played.
Film: BachWalk: Early Musical Journeys of Johann Sebastian Bach, a 30-minute documentary by UCLA professor and EarmarkFilms director Erin Marin, premiering at this event. It covers the organs Bach played, the positions he held, and his journeys, especially his 1705–1706 walk to Lübeck to study with Dietrich Buxtehude.
Run time: The documentary is 30 minutes; the surrounding live mini-recital extends the total program.
Note: The chapter will honor Alvin "Ted" Gustin, a lifetime member, as he moves away from regular performance. He is offering his music library free of charge to Northern Virginia AGO members, and the music will be available at the dinner.