Bach Akademie Australia In Bach’s Orbit – Darlinghurst Concert

Bach Akademie Australia led by its Artistic Director, early music specialist and virtuoso violinist, Madeleine Easton, continues its 2022 season with In Bach’s Orbit: the nature and nurture of true genius. Presented in two Sydney concerts also streamed on Australian Digital Concert Hall, the program celebrates the music of J S Bach and the composers who influenced and inspired him. The performances feature renowned Australian countertenor Russell Harcourt. The first concert will also be livestreamed on Australian Digital Concert Hall.

The question of why and how a true genius becomes a true genius is one which many artists and scholars have contemplated, and cannot be answered without debating the argument of nature versus nurture. In Bach’s Orbit explores the key figures in Bach’s life who inevitably influenced and guided him throughout his life, both personally and musically, featuring renowned Australian countertenor Russell Harcourt. BAA explores music by J.S. Bach’s father-in-law Johann Christoph Bach, his great hero Dieterich Buxtehude, whom he famously walked 280 miles to hear, and Vivaldi who, along with Georg Telemann, was greatly admired by Bach.  And then there was Pachelbel, his treasured family friend. “Each of these titans of music held a very special place in J.S. Bach’s life,” says Easton. “Their music, and that of Bach’s, are inevitably woven together, orbiting, influencing and ultimately producing the great art we celebrate today.” 

The program: J.C. Bach – Lamento ‘Ach, dass ich Wassers gnug hätte’/ Buxtehude – Praeludium in G minor BuxWV 163 (Nathan Cox, organ)/ Vivaldi – Nisi Dominus/ Telemann – Concerto for 4 violins in G major TWV 40:201/ Pachelbel – Suite No. 4 in E minor from Musikalische Ergötzung P.  373/ J.S. Bach – Cantata ‘Geist und Seele wird verwirret’ BWV 35

Bach Akademie Australia is dedicated to performing the works of J.S. Bach. It was established in 2016 by Australian violinist Madeleine Easton on her return after 19 years of living and working in Europe – including in close association with mentor and inspiration, Bach doyen Sir John Eliot Gardiner. It aims to enrich and enhance the musical life of Australia with a focus on mastery of performance, authenticity and originality of interpretation – bringing Bach’s music to life. court, is also focused on forging close links with academic institutions around the country to establish learning opportunities for young musicians.

Two concerts: Friday 23 September 7.30pm – Cell Block Theatre, National Arts School, Darlinghurst Also livestreamed on www.australiandigitalconcerthall.com

Sun 25 September 2.30pm – Our Lady of Dolours Church, Chatswood