Bach Society Houston’s Season Finale Marks a Moment of Gratitude and Transition
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Passing the Baton: A Conversation with Rick Erickson & Ben Kerswell
As Bach Society Houston closes its season with Johann Sebastian Bach’s cantata Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich (BWV 17), its May 2nd concert carries a deeper resonance beyond the music itself. The afternoon honors the legacy of longtime Artistic Director Rick Erickson while welcoming incoming Artistic Director Ben Kerswell, who steps into the role in July 2026.
Centered on themes of gratitude and praise, BWV 17 offers a fitting musical frame for this moment—one that looks back with appreciation and forward with anticipation.
Vespers & Music in the Americas, Part 3
featuring Johann Sebastian Bach’s
Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 3–4:30 PM
Christ the King Lutheran Church
2353 Rice Blvd., Houston, TX 77005
Below, Rick Erickson and Ben Kerswell reflect on legacy, transition, and the enduring power of Bach’s music.
Q: Looking back on your tenure with Bach Society Houston, what are you most proud of?
Rick Erickson: What I’m most proud of is the artistic community we’ve built; one rooted in both musical excellence and a shared commitment to Bach’s work. Over time, the ensemble has grown not just in technical ability, but in expressive depth. That’s something you can’t manufacture overnight. It stems from trust, continuity, and a collective love for the music.
Q: Why did you choose BWV 17 for your final concert?
Rick Erickson: This cantata is fundamentally about gratitude. “Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich” translates to “He who offers thanks, praises me.” That message felt especially meaningful at this moment. It’s a way of acknowledging the musicians, the audience, and the broader community that has supported this work for so many years.
Q: Are there particular moments in the piece that resonate with you personally?
Rick Erickson: There’s a sincerity in the opening chorus that feels almost communal. It’s not just individual gratitude, but something shared. And the closing chorale has a sense of resolution and peace that I find deeply moving, especially in the context of a farewell.
Q: What has working with the Bach Choir and Orchestra meant to you?
Rick Erickson: It’s been one of the great privileges of my life. These are extraordinary musicians, but more importantly, they are deeply committed to the integrity of the music. That kind of dedication is rare and incredibly inspiring.
Q: What are your hopes for Bach Society Houston moving forward?
Rick Erickson: I hope the organization continues to grow while staying grounded in what makes it special—its focus on Bach and its connection to the community. I’m excited to see how it evolves under new leadership.
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Q: What drew you to Bach Society Houston?
Ben Kerswell: There’s a clear sense of purpose here; a dedication to Bach that is both rigorous and joyful. That combination is incredibly compelling. The ensemble has a strong identity, and that creates a wonderful foundation to build upon.
Q: How do you approach stepping into a role with such an established legacy?
Ben Kerswell: With respect, first and foremost. Rick has built something truly meaningful. My goal is to honor that foundation while also bringing my own perspective – finding ways to deepen engagement with the music and expand how we connect with audiences.
Q: What excites you about working with this ensemble?
Ben Kerswell: The level of musicianship is remarkable, but what excites me even more is the openness. There’s a curiosity and willingness to explore, which is essential when working with Bach. His music is endlessly rich. You’re always discovering something new.
Q: How do you think about Bach’s music in a contemporary context?
Ben Kerswell: Bach’s music is incredibly immediate. Even though it was written centuries ago, it speaks directly to human experience: joy, sorrow, faith, doubt. The challenge and opportunity is to present it in a way that feels alive and relevant today.
Q: What can audiences look forward to in your first season?
Ben Kerswell: I’m interested in creating programs that invite listeners in, whether they’re longtime Bach enthusiasts or encountering this music for the first time. That might mean thoughtful programming, new collaborations, or contextual framing that helps illuminate the music in fresh ways.
This season finale is more than a concert—it is a moment suspended between reflection and renewal.
In Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, gratitude is not simply expressed, it is enacted. It becomes a gesture, a voice, a collective offering. In Houston, that offering extends beyond the music itself, honoring years of artistic leadership while welcoming what comes next.
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Rick Erickson’s final concert is not an ending so much as a culmination, one shaped by continuity, care, and a deep commitment to Bach’s work. Ben Kerswell’s arrival signals not a break, but a continuation, an opportunity to carry that legacy forward with fresh perspective.
For audiences, this is a rare chance to witness that passage in real time: one conductor taking a final bow, another preparing to step onto the podium, both connected by the same enduring music.
And in that space between them, Bach remains — steady, expressive, and timeless — offering a language through which both gratitude and possibility can be heard.
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BACH SOCIETY HOUSTON SEASON FINALE
A celebration of Rick Erickson and a welcome to Ben Kerswell
Vespers & Music in the Americas, Part 3
featuring Johann Sebastian Bach’s
Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 3–4:30 PM
Christ the King Lutheran Church
2353 Rice Blvd., Houston, TX 77005
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