Barry Scott Williamson, Founder and Artistic Director of the Texas Bach Festival, has a lengthy and revered international record of innovation and accomplishment as conductor, educator and program builder.  Known for his dynamic performances of a variety of choral and orchestral repertoire, his expertise and affinity with the works of J. S. Bach, Mozart and their contemporaries has been of particular significance. His tenure with the Austin Civic Chorus (now Chorus Austin Symphonic Chorus) elevated ACC into one of Austin’s leading choral organizations, including founding the popular “Sing-It-Yourself” Messiah in 1989. Dr. Williamson’s work with eminent Bach conductor/scholar Helmuth Rilling led to his conducting of several major works with the Oregon Bach Festival and his European conducting debut at the 1991 European Music Festival in Stuttgart.  As Founding Artistic Director of the Texas Choral Consort (now Panoramic Voices), Dr. Williamson envisioned and led a plethora of highly acclaimed performance/educational projects, including biannual choral symposia, three international tours and 20+ CD/DVD recordings.

Barry Scott Williamson, Founder and Artistic/Executive Director

Since its triumphant 2017 inaugural Festival, TBF has established a progressive artistic and educational presence in the Georgetown and Central Texas areas, presenting an annual summer series of solo organ/piano/vocal, chamber music, chamber orchestra and mass/oratorio concerts in local venues. On September 20, 2025 TBF presented its debut performance project in Houston, featuring world-renowned Italian tenor Angelo Ferrari.  For 2025’s Bach, Mozart and Beethoven: Succession of Genius, TBF was delighted once again to present an esteemed roster of performance artists in a series of transformative concert events, featuring great and timeless repertoire for classical guitar, string quartet, organ, piano, voice and mass/oratorio, highlighted by the iconic Mozart Requiem K 626, Clarinet Concerto in A Major K 622 and Sonata in A (K 331), Beethoven early and late string quartets and Bach secular cantata Amore traditore (BWV 203.)
For TBF’s 2026 Festival, Onward and Upward, Dr. Williamson has envisioned and scheduled another thrilling concert series, including its inaugural High School Vocal Masterclass on May 16.  To purchase tickets or TBF recordings, make a donation or obtain information about 2026 concerts and performers, please go the homepage and click on the appropriate links.  For more information about the High School Vocal Masterclass, feel free to contact Dr.  Williamson directly at barry@texasbachfestival.org.