Organist Kibble to Open L.A. Bach Festival

American organist James Kibble will open the 65th Los Angeles Bach Festival on March 6 with a recital on the organs at First Congregational Church.

The festival will occupy the church at 540 S. Commonwealth Ave. through March 15, again under the direction of Thomas Somerville. Somerville will conduct the closing event, at 3 p.m. March 15, when the festival chorus, orchestra and soloists perform the first three cantatas of Bach’s “Christmas” Oratorio and his “Magnificat” in the sanctuary.

A 24-hour festival hotline will operate after Jan. 4: (213) 385-1345, Ext. 203.