What began as a group of friends coming together to play the music of Bach has become one of the world's premiere Baroque ensembles. Founded in 1977 by J. Reilly Lewis, the Washington Bach Consort is a professional chorus and orchestra noted for its performance of 18th-century music on period instruments. It has appeared at numerous festivals and has made three critically acclaimed European tours. Recordings include Bach's complete motets, the Magnificats of both J.S. Bach and C.P.E Bach, and the first American recording of the F Major and G minor Masses, and three solo soprano cantatas featuring opera superstar Elizabeth Futral.
The Consort recently completed Bach's entire 215-cantata cycle. In association with this monumental achievement, the Library of Congress has welcomed the Washington Bach Consort performance recording and concert program archives into its permanent collection.