This wonderful article on Stas Venglevski recently appeared in the ATG Bulletin: Stas Venglevski presented several concerts in Switzerland from April 23 through May 6, 2023. It is now tradition for Cornelia Schmid to organize a spring tour and perhaps one again in the fall. These concerts often include other outstanding musicians and this year was no exception.
During this last tour Stas had the immense pleasure and privilege to perform in the J.S. Bach Church in the city of Arnstadt, Germany where Johann Sebastian Bach had his first job as organist for four years. Stas performed the Bach Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor twice in this very church.
These are his words about this fantastic experience: “Finally my dream came true. I played at the church in Germany where Bach had his first job as organist for four years. I played his Bach Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor twice. Same place bench. Such emotional moments. that same spot. They gave me the opportunity to play that very organ as well.”, one of his tremendous and profound works. A good moment to plunge into the 18th century!”
“Just the thoughts that in this church Bach got his first job as an organist is already awe-inspiring. As an 18 year old boy, he worked miracles on this bench for years from 1702-1707 in Arnstadt, Germany. Bowing before the genius, I took the opportunity to perform the Bach Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, one of his tremendous and profound works. A good moment to plunge into the 18th century!”
In reporting this very special experience there were several photos taken, one with Stas standing next to a monument of Bach at the age of 18 years and one of Stas playing in the actual church where Bach performed.
Stas is an Accordionist, a Musician, an Arranger, an Entertainer and a Teacher. Stas’ repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of Concerto No. 2 by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of Bayan and Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts.
He is a regular participant the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra; has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced 15 acclaimed albums including a transcription of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite for Bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions.
