PORTLAND – Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ will hold an annual birthday party at Merrill Auditorium in honor of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the all-time greatest composers of organ music.

Bach Bash 2008 will celebrate the 323rd anniversary of Bach with an all-Bach concert and the Portland Ballet Company as special guest.

Scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, the evening will begin with a 6:30 p.m. preconcert lecture on the chorale preludes of Bach presented by Ray Cornils, Portland municipal organist.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and include Prelude and Fugue in G Major, Sinfonia to Cantata 156, “Gigue” Fugue in G Major and Toccata and Fugue in d minor in addition to other Bach pieces. Portland Ballet will accompany the Kotzschmar Organ for four dances, with Cornils playing the Kotzschmar organ.

Admission is a suggested $12 at the door, with people under age 21 admitted free.

For more information, call Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ Executive Director Kathleen Grammer, 883-4234, or visit www.foko.org.