Bach by Harp – Aug 22, 2026

The Wheatland Concert Series is pleased to welcome Dr. Alyson Kanne for an unparalleled performance of selections by Johann Sebastian Bach arranged for solo harp.

Bach is renowned for his compositions using virtually every instrument known during his lifetime. Although the modern concert harp was developed after Bach’s death, many of his keyboard, cello, and lute works translate beautifully to the instrument. The harp brings an ethereal, otherworldly character to Bach’s music, creating a sound that must be experienced in person to be fully appreciated.

The evening’s all-Bach program will include selections from the famous Goldberg Variations. In 1741, Count von Keyserling is said to have offered Bach a goblet full of gold to compose works that would soothe and comfort him during a long and painful illness. Bach’s early biographer Johann Nikolaus Forkel later wrote that even if the gift had been a thousand times larger, the artistic value of the music still would not have been fully paid.

As is our custom, this exquisite music will be paired with an elegant French wine dinner served during intermission by Chef Ian and Magnolias.

The dinner will begin with Salad Chèvre Chaud featuring grilled local goat cheese, crostini, local greens, toasted walnuts, lardon, and balsamic vinaigrette, paired with imported Chablis. The first course will be followed by classic Bouillabaisse with monkfish, shrimp, salmon, and mussels served in a Pernod broth with garlic croustade, paired with imported Provençale rosé. The evening will conclude with a traditional French Plum Torte served with homemade cinnamon ice cream, coffee, and tea.

We hope you will join us for a beautiful late-summer evening of haunting Bach melodies performed on harp, paired with a memorable French wine dinner at Shiloh Manor Farm.