Numerologists might have some interesting things to say about the fact that Johann Sebastian Bach turns 321 on 3/21/06. Music, however, not mysticism, will be the focus when Conservatory students present a celebratory evening of the composer's organ and chamber music Tuesday, March 21, at 8 p.m. in Warner Concert Hall.

Michael Barone '68, a senior executive producer at Minnesota Public Radio and the host and producer of American Public Media's radio program Pipedreams, will be the master of ceremonies for the free, public event.

Seven outstanding soloists (see sidebar) from Oberlin's organ studies program will perform major works by Bach on the Flentrop organ in Warner Concert Hall. Three ensembles from Oberlin's historical performance program are also slated to perform on period instruments. In addition, Professor of Musicology Steven Plank will join Barone in providing commentary during the concert.

"We've never programmed anything quite like this before," says David Boe. "J.S. Bach has been the focus of numerous programs over the years. We've presented all-Bach recitals and he has been the central figure in several sessions of the Baroque Performance Institute. But what distinguishes this event is the fact that it is our first live broadcast of an all-Bach program, and it is hosted by our esteemed alumnus Michael Barone."

Barone, a music history major at Oberlin who took applied studies in organ with Emeritus Professor of Organ Haskell Thomson, has returned to campus several times since graduating, including a 1992 visit to record student performances and interviews for a pair of Pipedreams broadcasts. He also produced a show featuring Finney Chapel's Kay Africa Memorial Organ during its dedication in September 2001.

"Inevitably, aspects of the campus have changed since I was a student," says Barone. "Fortunately, the talent and enthusiasm of the Conservatory students remains as I remember it."

The Bach birthday concert also will be broadcast live on Cleveland's classical music station 104.9 FM-WCLV and simulcast online at www.wclv.com. The concert will also be recorded for possible future use on Pipedreams, the only nationally syndicated radio program that explores the art of the pipe organ. Pipedreams can be heard on 104.9 FM-WCLV at 11 p.m. each Sunday.

All members of the Oberlin community and beyond are invited to Oberlin's birthday party for Bach. "Warner Concert Hall seats 645," Boe says. "We hope every seat is filled for this marvelous celebration of Bach and his music."