LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In a tranquil setting within a 140-year-old cathedral on the outskirts of downtown Little Rock, roughly sixty individuals gathered in the pews during a recent lunchtime concert series. The air was filled with rich tones from the cathedral’s pipe organ, as a screen displayed a performer skillfully playing pieces by the renowned composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. These attendees were not participating in a religious service; instead, they were enjoying the third concert of a series led by Colin MacKnight, which aims to honor the 275th anniversary of Bach’s passing over the next year.

MacKnight, who is the music director at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, has devised an ambitious schedule to present the entirety of Bach’s organ works throughout 2025. This endeavor consists of 18 hours of music performed in half-hour sessions nearly every Wednesday. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time because it’s, in my opinion, the most effective way to fully experience the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach,” said MacKnight during a rehearsal in the empty cathedral the day before the concert.

The concert series in Little Rock is part of various global events this year that celebrate the legacy of the legendary German composer in conjunction with the anniversary of his death. Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, MacKnight has held the music director role at Trinity for three years, and he recalls first hearing Bach’s music at the funeral of a relative when he was around 12 years old. “There was something about that moment that truly captivated me, marking the start of my love for Bach,” he remembered fondly.

At 31, MacKnight’s dexterity is evident as his hands glide across the four keyboards of the organ, flanked by a system of knobs that produce various sounds. His feet work the pedalboards, all harmonizing to reproduce Bach’s intricate musical pieces. Having played the organ since he was 16, MacKnight recognizes how daunting the instrument can appear to newcomers. “For those unfamiliar with it, the organ can seem intimidating, much like an airplane cockpit,” he remarked.

The free concerts not only offer exceptional music but also serve as educational experiences. Each program includes a glossary of terms such as concerto and fugue, while MacKnight provides context about Bach and his significant organ works in between each piece. “These compositions are unfortunately much, much more challenging than they seem,” he pointed out.

Regarded as one of history’s greatest composers, Bach is particularly celebrated for his sophisticated organ music, characterized by extensive pedal use and intricate structures. Few organists have tackled the entirety of Bach’s organ repertoire due to its complexity and volume. Notable among those who have is Grammy-winning organist Paul Jacobs, who was MacKnight’s mentor at Juilliard. Jacobs famously performed an 18-hour non-stop concert of Bach’s organ works in 2000 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death.

The concerts have attracted a diverse audience, including church members, classical music enthusiasts, and individuals seeking a serene respite from their daily routines. Barry Coplin, a church member who has attended two concerts, said, “I appreciate the intricate music and the power of the organ; it resonates deeply within me.” Similarly, Ben Wiley, a classical music lover from a nearby town, expressed his enjoyment of experiencing Bach’s works in manageable half-hour segments. “This format allows you to digest the music better and return for more,” he explained.

In addition to the weekly concerts, MacKnight is scheduled to perform a comprehensive 100-minute concert featuring Bach’s most extensive organ work, the Clavier-Ubung III, referred to as the German Organ Mass, on July 28, the anniversary of the composer’s death in 1750 at the age of 65.

Rev. Thomas Alexander, a priest at Trinity, emphasized that these concerts present an opportunity for the community to appreciate MacKnight’s expertise and deepen their understanding of Bach’s music in a uniquely accessible manner. “It’s akin to reading an author’s complete body of work; you develop a profound understanding of their art,” Alexander said. “Moreover, it fosters a sense of community among attendees.”