By Maria Bucka
The Twin Cities of Minnesota has been rich in musical and artistic opportunities. Some have even described it as the “New York of the Midwest.” Over the years there have been numerous concert series in the Twin Cities’ area. However, not many have survived more than a few years. The Bethlehem Music Series (whose venue is Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities) is now in its 43rd year of presenting exciting and eclectic musical programming with high-quality local, national, and international artists. One of the unique aspects of this series is that it is FREE admission.
Maria Bucka began this Series in 1981 and has continued to be its Artistic Director even though she retired two years ago from her 45 year tenure as Bethlehem Lutheran Church Organist/Director of Music. When the Series began it was part of the programming of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, but in its 20th year it became a 501c3 organization, which allowed it to be eligible for corporate grants. This development also provided the infrastructure for a working Board of Directors who performed many of the responsibilities that Ms. Bucka had been managing for two decades. The Board of Directors has allowed Maria to concentrate mainly on creative programming and developing relationships with artists, agents, and audience members.
Funding for the Bethlehem Music Series (BMS) is mainly achieved through individual sponsorships of individual concerts and Friends of the Bethlehem Music Series. It receives a small stipend from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, annually. But, the primary source of income is from individual contributions.
The BMS mission is to provide the highest quality music, with infinite variety in a hospitable environment. We are fortunate to have a beautiful, gothic space which provides a wonderful stained-glass landscape and marvelous acoustics to enhance the musical offerings.
Since hospitality is one of our trademarks, we often receive comments such as the following. After one of our recent concerts an attendee told one of our board members: “Not only was this the best concert I have witnessed in many years, but it was the TOTAL EXPERIENCE that will keep me coming back.” She went on to say that from the time she entered the building to the time she left, she was made to feel important and nurtured. The BMS offers complimentary valet parking, free nursery, a pre-concert conversation with Minnesota Public Radio host, Steve Staruch, excellent music, friendly atmosphere, and refreshments following each performance. For extra peace of mind, BMS also provides police security on site in case of an emergency.
BMS has reached over 63,000 live audience members since its creation and our concerts have been live-streamed over the past few years, reaching hundreds of people who are unable to travel, due to weather conditions or disability.
The foundation of the BMS is its variety in programming. Genres of music have included: Choral, Organ, Brass, Symphonic, Dance, Piano, Drama, Mime, Bluegrass, Jazz, Gospel, Klezmer, Dixieland, Ragtime. Unusual combinations of instruments have been showcased such as: Tuba Quartet, Wind Quintets, Saxophone Quartet, Bagpipes, Harp Ensembles, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Quartet, Bell Choir. The BMS has commissioned new works and has collaborated with other arts’ organizations.
As financial resources have become more available, the Bethlehem Music Series has been fortunate to showcase more notable artists such as: Chanticleer, CANTUS, VOCES8, The Vienna Boys Choir, Canadian Brass, Imani Winds, The King’s Singers, Paul Jacobs (Grammy- winning Organist).
As we anticipate and prepare for our 45th year anniversary in a couple of years, the Bethlehem Music Series is extremely grateful for our rich history, our incredibly generous and faithful donors, and for the partnership of Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities which all are vital to our past and ongoing success.
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