BachWalk: Early Musical Journeys of Johann Sebastian Bach

BachWalk explores Johann Sebastian Bach’s early musical travels through a live organ recital and the premiere of a new documentary. The 30-minute film, directed by UCLA professor and EarmarkFilms director Eric Marin, examines the organs Bach played, the positions he held, and his journeys, including his 1705–1706 trip to Lübeck to study with Dietrich Buxtehude.

The screening is paired with live performances on Christ Church’s new Harrison & Harrison organ. Northern Virginia AGO members Chris Betts and JJ Mitchell will perform Buxtehude’s Toccata in D minor, BuxWV 155, and Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in G, BWV 541. The evening also includes a chapter dinner, dessert, drinks, and the formal installation of new AGO chapter officers. Chapter members will honor longtime member Alvin “Ted” Gustin, whose music library will be offered free to Northern Virginia AGO members at the dinner; donations benefiting programs for emerging organists will be welcome.

When: Monday, September 28, 2026

Showtimes: Drinks, dinner, dessert, and officer installation at 6:00 p.m.; mini-recital and documentary premiere at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: The mini-recital and film are free and open to the public. Dinner, drinks, and dessert cost $30, plus a transaction fee.

Film: A 30-minute documentary directed by Eric Marin about Bach’s organs, professional positions, and musical journeys, with particular attention to his visit to Lübeck in 1705–1706.

Performers: Chris Betts and JJ Mitchell, organ; performances in the documentary by organists at churches where Bach played and by German-American organist Christoph Bull.

Program: Dietrich Buxtehude’s Toccata in D minor, BuxWV 155, and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in G, BWV 541.

Venue: Christ Church Alexandria, 118 N. Washington St., Alexandria, Virginia.

Parking: Metered street spaces are available on adjacent streets, with garages and parking lots in the surrounding area.

Dinner registration: Dinner sign-up is available through Eventbrite.

Age guidance: Not provided.