Victoria Bach Festival’s 50th Anniversary Season Strikes a Chord with South Texas

The golden anniversary of the Victoria Bach Festival wrapped up on Friday, June 6 with a standing ovation, and a deep appreciation for the musical legacy that has defined South Texas for half a century. From Baroque masterpieces to world premieres, the 2025 Festival offered a week of unforgettable performances that celebrated 50 years of world-class music right here at home.

“This year has been nothing short of magical,” said Wm. Buck Moore, Executive Director of the Victoria Bach Festival. “We welcomed internationally acclaimed artists, debuted new compositions, and honored the passionate community that has supported the Festival since 1976.”

The weeklong celebration included concerts in Victoria, as well as Goliad, and Rockport. Audiences experienced everything from an intimate string trio arrangement of Bach’s Goldberg Variations to a stirring full-orchestra performance of Mass in B Minor, and the world premiere of Symphony No. 1 by Latin GRAMMY®-nominated composer Juan Pablo Contreras—commissioned exclusively for the Festival’s 50th season.

One of the most poignant moments of the Festival came on Tuesday, June 3, with a deeply moving performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor—a work Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez called “Bach’s ultimate testament…a legacy for future generations to study, admire, and be inspired by” performed by the Bach Festival Orchestra and Chorus.

This moving performance was dedicated to the memory of Robby Burdge, a beloved leader whose unwavering support for the arts and the community left a lasting imprint. A champion of the Festival even in its planning stages, Robby helped make the concert possible—his generosity and spirit resonating in every note. Mayor Duane Crocker, who opened the concert, was visibly moved as he spoke in tribute to the late Robby Burdge.

“As a beloved and steadfast pillar of the Victoria community, Robby’s life was marked by steadfast Christian faith, a heart full of generosity, and a commitment to service that touched countless lives,” the Mayor said through tears. “Though Robby is no longer with us in person, his spirit resonates in every note of tonight’s performance, in the joy of this moment, and in the hearts of all who were touched by his kindness.”

The Mass was performed to a full audience of Robby’s family, friends, employees, and festival patrons. There was not a dry eye in the audience by the end of the concert as all remembered Robby’s lasting legacy through the powerful music of the mass. “Robby was a once-in-a-generation leader who showed us how to serve selflessly.” said David Faskas, President of the Victoria Bach Festival Board of Directors. “This Festival is a gift he gave to all of us.”

Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, who conducted the performance, reflected on the enduring legacy of the Mass in B Minor: “What makes Bach’s music so compelling is its perfect fusion of intellect and emotion, logic and soul. With this Mass, written at the end of his life, Bach created a musical monument—a spiritual encyclopedia that speaks to the eternal. There was no better way to celebrate 50 years of excellence in Victoria.”
The week concluded with a landmark Finale Concert on Friday, June 6, featuring Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Anton Nel, and the highly anticipated world premiere of Contreras’ Symphony No. 1, commissioned exclusively for the 50th season —a momentous capstone to the Festival’s golden anniversary. The evening also included the presentation of the 2025 Music Teacher of the Year Award to Chris Hamelwright, band director at Howell Middle School.

Hamelwright, recognized for revitalizing the school’s band program and mentoring countless young musicians, received a standing ovation. “Chris Hamelwright’s selfless dedication to music education exemplifies the power of music to transform lives,” said Carlos Gonzalez, Education Chair for the Festival.

The finale performance on Friday evening, conducted by VBF Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, brought the audience to its feet on several occassions and marked not just the end of a festival week, but a celebration of legacy, excellence, and the power of music to unite.
“Each year, this Festival raises the cultural bar for our region,” said Bill Blanchard, Past President of the Festival Board. “But this year, the energy was on another level. You could feel the emotion in every performance, and the community responded in kind with incredible support.”

Adding to the milestone, a permanent monument was dedicated at the campus of University of Houston-Victoria earlier that day to honor the Festival’s 50 year legacy. The commemorative sculpture marks the enduring role the Festival plays in shaping the region’s cultural identity.

Michael Hummel, one of the founding members of the Festival, reflected on its journey: “When we began this 50 years ago, we never imagined it would grow into such a cornerstone of South Texas arts. To see audiences still inspired and the music still thriving—it’s humbling. This anniversary reminded us that the arts have a timeless place in our lives.”

Throughout the week, venues were filled with music lovers of all ages. From long-time patrons to first-time concertgoers, the shared experience of live, masterfully performed music brought the community together in celebration. Festival organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the musicians, volunteers, donors, and audiences who made the 50th anniversary possible. As Moore noted, “This was a tribute to our past, a gift to the present, and an inspiration for what’s to come.”

Faskas shared in his final remarks, “As the Victoria Bach Festival looks to the next 50 years, community members are invited to play a part in sustaining this remarkable tradition. You can support the Festival by attending concerts, volunteering, or making a contribution.  Learn more and get involved.”