Australian Chamber Orchestra

Silence and Rapture

Announcement

Australian Chamber Orchestra 2024 Season Tickets are now available to purchase.

Concert Hall, QPAC


19 Aug 2024, 7pm
$59 - $166

A transaction fee of $7.20 applies.

Discounts Available

Concession, Student, Youth

more info

2 hours

(including interval, subject to change without notice)

Silence and Rapture

A mesmerising collaboration with Sydney Dance Company featuring countertenor Iestyn Davies and the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and Arvo Pärt.

Composing three centuries apart, Johann Sebastian Bach and Arvo Pärt’s timeless music speaks to the human soul. From rockstars and writers to artists and filmmakers, these composers are revered by music lovers across genres and generations. The last time the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) performed their music together, it was a sell-out.

Richard Tognetti directs this mesmerising collaboration between the ACO and Sydney Dance Company that brings together music, movement and evocative lighting to create something truly extraordinary.

Expressing the luminous longing at the heart of this music is choreography from Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company, while Grammy Award-winning countertenor Iestyn Davies, whose performances have been described as “a pleasure that verges on the sublime” (The Guardian) makes his Australian debut, bringing these stirring melodies to life.

Bach and Pärt’s music is rooted in human experience while reaching towards the divine. This program traces a profound journey through three Gardens at the heart of the Biblical narrative they both hold so close: from the hope and temptation of the Garden of Eden to the tragedy and passion of the Garden of Gethsemane, ascending into the Garden of Heaven and, at last, the meditation of silence. Featuring Pärt’s Fratres and selections from Bach’s most loved cantatas, orchestral and solo music, this promises to be a season highlight and a deeply affirming experience.

Important Information

Accessibility at QPAC

For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through our Call Centre by calling 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility at QPAC here.

Presented by Australian Chamber Orchestra

Prelude
Johann Sebastian Bach Kanon zu acht Stimmen, BWV1072
Arvo Pärt Collage über B-A-C-H: I. Toccata

Garden of Eden
Bach Cantata “Wiederstehe doch des Sunde”, BWV54: Aria “Wer Sünde tut, der ist vom Teufel”
Bach Sonata for Violin and Keyboard in A major: I. Dolce
Bach Cantata “Ich bin ein guter Hirt”, BWV85: Aria “Jesus ist ein guter Hirt”
Pärt Fratres

Garden of Gethsemane
Bach Sonata for Solo Violin No.2 in A minor: III. Andante
Bach St Matthew Passion: “Erbarme Dich”
Pärt Für Lennart in memoriam
Pärt My Heart’s in the Highlands

Garden of Heaven
Bach Cantata “Der Herr denket an uns”, BWV196: Sinfonia
Pärt Vater unser
Bach Cello Suite No.3 in C major: I. Prelude
Bach Magnificat: “Et exultavit”

Into Silence
Pärt Pari intervallo
Bach The Art of Fugue: Fuga a 3 Soggetti (unfinished)
Paul Hindemith Trauermusik: IV. Sehr langsam


Artists

Richard Tognetti

Director and Violin

Iestyn Davies

Countertenor

Rafael Bonachela

Choreographer and Artistic Director, Sydney Dance Company

Stefanie Farrands

Viola

Timo-Veikko Valve

Cello

Chad Kelly

Organ and Harpsichord

Artists

Sydney Dance Company

Australian Chamber Orchestra

Orchestra

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