Silence & Rapture

Composing three centuries apart, Johann Sebastian Bach and Arvo Pärt’s timeless music speaks to the human soul.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world and is renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on the adventure to create truly transformative experiences. 

From rockstars and writers to artists and filmmakers, these composers are revered by music lovers across genres and generations. The last time the 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 Sydney Dance Company, while Gramophone 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 Part’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.

• Program

  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 & Violin

  Iestyn Davies 

  Countertenor

  Rafael Bonachela

  Choreographer & Artistic Director, Sydney Dance Company

  Stefanie Farrands

  Viola

  Timo-Veikko Valve 

  Cello

  Chad Kelly

  Organ & Harpsichord

  Artists from Sydney Dance Company

  Australian Chamber Orchestra