There's a never-ending debate over who's the greatest composer in history.

Back in 2011, New York Times writer Anthony Tommasin put Johann Sebastian Bach at the top of his list, ranking ahead of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Bach is also close to the hearts of Vancouver residents, which is why Early Music Vancouver is presenting its third annual celebration in his name.

The Vancouver Bach Festival takes place from Monday (July 30) to August 10 at two extraordinary concert locations: Christ Church Cathedral and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

It's bigger than ever, with 15 performances featuring guest artists from around the world.

They include French harpsichordist Benjamin Alard presenting the Goldberg Variations.

British violinist Monica Huggett will perform the Chaconne from Partita no. 2 in D minor.

And there will be six concerts by the Swiss ensemble of Gil Angeli Genève. It's the festival's first ensemble-in-residence.

That's not all. There will also be larger concerts, including the Early Bach Cantatas at Christ Church Cathedral, and the finale, Bach's Trauer Ode (BVW 198), under the direction of Alexander Weimann of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra. The latter event takes place at the Chan Centre.

Another Canadian, Angela Hewitt, is also at the festival to perform The Well-Tempered Clavir—Book 1.

The timing of each concert and tickets are available on the Early Music Vancouver website.