The public is invited to attend a special birthday celebration honoring Lutheran composer Johann Sebastian Bach, set for 4:30 p.m. CDT Thursday, March 31, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis’s Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library.

Highlights of the event include a reception with live performances of Bach’s music, wine and light hors d’oeuvres and a panel discussion with Seminary faculty and staff. There also will be a special viewing of Bach’s annotated Bible, which has been in the Concordia Seminary library collection since it was gifted by the Reichle family of Frankenmuth, Mich., in the 1930s.

“Throughout the year people visit our library with a single request — to see the Bach Bible,” said Dr. Paul Robinson, director of Library Services and professor of Historical Theology. “This piece of music history is invaluable. Bach’s contribution to church music, formed as he studied Scripture and what it reveals about our Savior, still inspires people around the world. We hope that everyone who joins us will be inspired in their own way as they reflect on Bach’s contribution to the life of the church.”

Bach was born March 31, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany. He died in 1750 in Leipzig, Germany, at the age of 65. Bach is known for his contributions to the discipline of music, being regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time.

About Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit csl.edu.