When Northampton’s Peter Blanchette invented the 10-string archguitar back in 1980, his purpose was to have an instrument specifically suited to performing the music of J.S. Bach.
Over the years, Blanchette has not only performed but recorded much of Bach’s music in his own arrangements. His annual Bach Birthday Celebration Concert, in turn, has become a Valley tradition.
For this year’s concert, taking place Saturday at the First Churches in Northampton, Blanchette will perform archguitar arrangements from his upcoming recording of Bach’s Violin Sonatas and the Partita for Solo Flute. He’ll also present music of Bach’s contemporary, Sylvius Leopold Weiss, who was generally regarded as the greatest lutenist of the Baroque period.
7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.50, $22.50 or $25 in advance, with remaining tickets sold at the door for $20. brownpapertickets.com/event/2512087. The First Churches are at 129 Main St.