Complete Bach Suites

Article by Diana Milburn April 18, 2018

Cellist Lawrence Stomberg to perform in Newark, Wilmington

This spring Lawrence Stomberg, professor of cello at the University of Delaware, is ticking off an item on every serious cellist’s bucket list: performing The Complete Bach Suites for Unaccompanied Cello.

Stomberg will play out that dream in a two-night series of concerts, scheduled at 8 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, April 24-25, in the Gore Recital Hall at UD’s Roselle Center for Arts on UD's Newark campus.

Cellist Lawrence Stomberg

Tickets for the Newark performances can be purchased at the door only, cash or check only. Admission is $5 for students; $10 for faculty, alumni, staff and seniors; and $15 for adults.

But that is not the end of the story. Stomberg is also a proud resident of the city of Wilmington, and he has longed to celebrate the positive in his city, to listen and to speak of his chosen city’s challenges and its commitment to community. Accordingly, this month and next he has planned “Bach in Wilmington,” a program he describes as “…celebrations of Wilmington’s great diversity and people, combining selected J.S. Bach suites, new music by Swift Rose and recorded conversations among neighbors.”

Each performance is conceived uniquely for the community chosen, with original music for and recorded speakers from the community.

“Bach in Wilmington” will feature free public performances at

Hanover Presbyterian Church, 1801 North Jefferson St., Saturday, April 22, at 4 p.m.;
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 1301 North Broom St., Wednesday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m.;
HOPE Commission Achievement Center, 38 Vandever Ave., Friday, May 4, at 6 p.m.;
Old Swedes Church, 606 North Church St., Saturday, May 5, at 4 p.m.; and
Kingswood Community Center, 2300 Bowers St., Thursday, June 14, at 11 a.m..

More dates will be added.

Stomberg is working with acclaimed videographer Jason Chesnut of Ankos Films to produce documentary video of these special events.

About the Department of Music

Since 1939, UD’s Department Of Music has been dedicated to the musical growth of its students and the cultural enrichment of the community. In addition to its highly respected degree programs for music majors and minors, the department offers classes and activities for the general student population. Approximately 1,000 students enroll each year in music appreciation courses, and more than 500 students earn academic credit by participating in the department's music ensembles and performance programs.

The Department of Music leads the state of Delaware’s thriving arts scene in total music performances, producing and presenting more than 250 events each year in University venues, around the region, and expanding UD’s reach and reputation globally at world-class venues in South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.