Breathe with Bach
Breathe with Bach is Emmanuel Music’s ongoing partnership with the Boston Public Library, offering welcoming, accessible live music experiences in neighborhood library communities. The program is designed for people seeking respite, connection, or an opportunity to hear live music who may not otherwise be able to access it.
Each session lasts about an hour and can be experienced in whatever way suits the visitor: as a concert, a brief stop during a library visit, or a musical backdrop while working, reading, or relaxing. Audience members are encouraged to chat with the musicians and get to know them.
When: The page lists sessions from November through January across several Boston Public Library branches, as well as a pop-up at Malden Public Library. No year is stated.
Showtimes: Central Branch sessions are Wednesdays, December 23 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. with violist Anna Griffis, and December 30 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. with double bassist Nathan Varga.
Showtimes: Jamaica Plain sessions are Mondays, November 2 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. with violinist Dianne Pettipaw, December 7 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. with cellist Rafael Popper-Keizer, and January 4 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. with recorder player Emily O’Brien.
Showtimes: Lower Mills sessions are Tuesdays, November 10 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. with recorder player Emily O’Brien, December 8 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. with violist Anna Griffis, and January 12 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. with cellist Jennifer Morsches.
Showtimes: South Boston sessions are Saturdays, November 21 from 9:30–10:30 a.m. with flutist Vanessa Holroyd, December 19 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. with cellist Jennifer Morsches, and January 16 from 1:00–2:00 p.m. with cellist Rafael Popper-Keizer.
Showtimes: Adams Street sessions are Tuesdays, November 24 from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. with violist Anna Griffis, and January 26 from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. with recorder player Emily O’Brien.
Showtimes: A Malden Public Library pop-up is scheduled for January 23 from 2:00–3:00 p.m., featuring cellist Rafael Popper-Keizer.
Lineup: Featured musicians include Anna Griffis on viola, Nathan Varga on double bass, Dianne Pettipaw and Emily O’Brien on violin and recorder respectively, Rafael Popper-Keizer and Jennifer Morsches on cello, and Vanessa Holroyd on flute.
Run time: Approximately one hour per session.
Audience experience: Visitors may listen for the full session, drop in for only a few minutes, or treat the performance as background music while they work, read, or relax. Conversation with the musicians is welcome.
Accessibility: The program is intended to support community well-being and broaden access to live music, particularly for people who may not otherwise be able to attend. The page does not specify particular accessibility accommodations.
Venue: Boston Public Library branches in Central, Jamaica Plain, Lower Mills, South Boston, and Adams Street, plus a pop-up at Malden Public Library.
Tickets: Price not available