Bach Akademie Australia presents The Obligato Sonatas – Sydney City

Bach Akademie Australia presents The Obligato Sonatas when internationally acclaimed violinist and Bach expert, Australia’s own Madeleine Easton is joined by two of Australia’s most lauded early music specialists Neal Peres Da Costa and Anton Baba in a unique recital of Bach’s much-loved Obligato Sonatas. 

The program is featured in two very special performances 18 June 7.30pm, at St James Church, King Street in the Sydney CBD; and on Sunday afternoon 20 June at 2pm in the Parish of the Holy Name Church, 35 Billyard Avenue, Wahroonga. 

Bach Akademie Australia Artistic Director, Easton, explains that the five works – for violin, harpsichord and viola da gamba – were a rare departure from Bach’s usual compositional style. “Bach took the existing baroque trio sonata form and utterly excelled himself, producing a new and innovative example of three-part contrapuntal writing, showcasing the depth of his musical expression and the apparently inexhaustible inventive resources of his genius. They are nothing short of perfection.” 

Madeleine Easton is an established star on the international stage known for her versatility and expertise in the world of violin playing. A graduate of the University of Sydney, London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the City University London and the University of Leeds, Neal Peres Da Costa is a world-renowned performing scholar and educator. Perth-born Anton Baba is an award-winning cellist and acknowledged virtuoso of the viola da gamba.

The program: J S Bach: Sonata No.1 in B minor BWV 1014/ No.2 in A major BWV 1015/No.3 in E major BWV 1016/ No.5 in F minor BWV 1018/ No.6 in G major BWV 1019

The performers: Madeleine Easton – violin | Neal Peres Da Costa – harpsichord | Anton Baba – viola da gamba

Friday 18th June, 7.30pm – St James Church, King Street, Sydney

Sunday 20th June, 2pm – Parish of the Holy Name Church, 35 Billyard Avenue, Wahroonga