GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Eugene Drucker—violinist, author, educator, composer, and founding member of the  Emerson String Quartet—has been named Artistic Director of The Berkshire Bach Society, the 34-year-old arts organization that presents live performances of Baroque music by world-class musicians in the Berkshires and surrounding areas.

 

Mr. Drucker is a longtime member of the Berkshire Bach Ensemble and director of the BBS Bach at New Year's concert series. As Artistic Director, he will help spearhead new programming and performance opportunities.

 

"We are thrilled that Eugene Drucker is stepping into this new position at The Berkshire Bach Society," said BBS Executive Director Terrill McDade. "This is a unique opportunity for us to grow the footprint of The Berkshire Bach Society with an artist of exceptional distinction. It allows him to explore the repertoire and develop new, more varied programs as we continue to present the music of Bach and his contemporaries, educating our audiences about all things Baroque."

 

The appointment comes close on the heels of the retirement of the Emerson String Quartet, which Mr. Drucker co-founded with fellow students at The Juilliard School 47 years ago. The Emerson garnered nine Grammy Awards, three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, and Musical America's "Ensemble of the Year" award over the course of its existence.  

 

The group retired in October 2023 so that its members could focus on teaching and their solo performance careers. Mr. Drucker has taught at Stony Brook University for 21 years and has recently joined the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music.  He will continue to perform a broad range of repertoire as a soloist with selected ensembles, but his performances of Baroque music in the Berkshire region will be exclusive to The Berkshire Bach Society.

 

"I am delighted to be expanding my role and involvement with The Berkshire Bach Society, which stands out in the field of Baroque performance and programming. I'm excited to be working with BBS to enhance its impact and range of activities, bringing the wonders of Baroque music to this community and beyond," Mr. Drucker said.

 

The Berkshire Bach Society is the oldest continuously operating membership-based music organization in the Berkshires.   Its mission is to present the music of J.S. Bach and other Baroque composers performed by outstanding artists for audiences in the Berkshires, Pioneer Valley, and Capital Region, and to educate listeners about the history of the Baroque era.