On October 11, 2025, the Tuba Bach Festival in Big Rapids, Michigan, offered a stunning musical experience that captivated the audience by blending two distinct musical traditions—classical and Celtic music. Held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, the performance featured a remarkable fusion of J.S. Bach’s classical compositions with the lively and heartfelt melodies of Celtic music. The concert was a testament to the festival’s commitment to innovative programming and its ability to bridge cultural and musical divides, creating an unforgettable evening for music enthusiasts in the region.
This year’s festival featured a trio of internationally acclaimed musicians: Tony McManus on guitar, Sean Gavin on Uilleann pipes, and Shane Cook on fiddle. Each of these virtuoso performers is highly regarded for their skill and expertise in their respective instruments, and together they created a harmonious blend of sounds that resonated deeply with the audience. The musicians’ combined mastery brought a refreshing and unique interpretation to the program, showcasing how classical and Celtic music can intertwine in ways that are both innovative and deeply moving.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the Celtic interpretation of J.S. Bach’s fifth cello suite. Originally composed for solo cello, Bach’s works are known for their emotional depth and intricate structure, which lends itself perfectly to reinterpretation in other musical styles. The trio’s performance of this iconic piece brought a fresh vitality to Bach’s Baroque melodies. By infusing it with the rhythmic qualities and ornamentation of Celtic music, the musicians gave the piece a new, lively twist that highlighted both its original beauty and the rich folk traditions of the Celtic world. The result was a mesmerizing rendition that stirred both classical and folk music lovers alike.
In addition to the Bach piece, the program featured a variety of traditional Celtic music and original compositions. The inclusion of these works allowed the trio to showcase their expertise in Celtic music and improvisation, while also giving the audience a deeper understanding of the genre’s diverse and rich history. Traditional tunes such as jigs, reels, and airs were performed with a passion and energy that infused the evening with a sense of celebration and reverence. The musicians’ use of their instruments—Tony McManus’s virtuosic guitar, Sean Gavin’s evocative Uilleann pipes, and Shane Cook’s nimble fiddle—produced a sound that was both powerful and delicate, capturing the essence of Celtic traditions while seamlessly integrating elements from the classical world.
The Tuba Bach Festival has become known for its ability to offer creative programming that challenges conventional boundaries and introduces new ways of experiencing music. This concert, blending two seemingly disparate musical genres, was a prime example of the festival’s mission to innovate while honoring the classical tradition. The combination of classical works with the vibrant spirit of Celtic folk music provided the audience with a rare opportunity to experience the emotional depth of both traditions in a single performance.
As the evening came to a close, the audience was left with a sense of awe at the musicians’ ability to weave together the beauty and complexity of both genres. The success of this event not only highlighted the talent of the performers but also reinforced the idea that music is a universal language—one that can bridge gaps, evoke emotions, and create a sense of shared understanding across different cultures and traditions.
This year’s Tuba Bach Festival has set the bar high for future performances, continuing to attract music lovers from near and far. The blending of classical and Celtic traditions served as a reminder of how versatile music can be, capable of transcending historical and cultural boundaries to create something uniquely captivating. The festival’s continued success ensures that it will remain a cherished event in Big Rapids, offering both local and visiting music lovers a chance to experience world-class performances in a setting that encourages cultural exploration and musical appreciation.