In July 2008, I went to visit a school in western NSW as part of a music programme I run for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation. On one very chilly morning I went into the year four class and asked the twenty-two children there if they had ever seen a cello before. There was silence. These ten year old kids could drive, and shoot – but no-one had seen or heard a cello before. I had brought mine with me (I travel with a purple sparkly cello that kids call “Rocky”), so I got the children to lie on the floor of the demountable classroom (to feel the cello’s vibrations), and began to play. Like most cellists, I love Bach – so I started to play a prelude from the first cello suite.
And there was silence. When I stopped, a little freckle-faced boy sighed and said “That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard”. I kept playing – and those children lay there and just listened for six more movements. Both their teacher and I were tranfixed by their reaction – it is one of those moments I will remember until the day I die.
It got me thinking. How many times have I played these suites, but not really listened to them? How many times have I played them in a concert, but people haven’t really stopped to be in the moment? And how could I create a concert where people could stop – and just listen?
In 2009, I began the series at St James Church in the centre of Sydney. A small audience would join me in the crypt (which, up to that date had never been used for concerts), and sit with a glass of wine, in the dark – so that nothing would distract them and both performer and listener would travel together for an hour. And I played Bach - to thank the children who showed me how to listen again.
In 2012, the series is still growing! I’m still playing at St James Church – but now over two nights. You will need to book early for these concerts, as every one of them sold out in 2011. The series is also repeated at the “nolan on lovel” art gallery in Katoomba. And, just like last year, I’m bringing friends. In the first concert of the new year I’m joined by by cellist (and previous teacher) David Pereira. In the second concert I’m joined by harpist Genevieve Lang and soprano Jane Sheldon. In the third concert I’m joined by accordion player Anthony Schulz (for, I believe, the first duo concert of its kind in this country!), and in the fourth and final concert I’m joined by percussionist Ben Sibson.
I hope that you can join me for as many concerts as you can – for dates, times and bookings please click on the “performances” tab. It is a wonderful series – and I’m looking forward to the 2012 series tremendously!
What people are saying about “Bach in the Dark”…
“Despite having chosen a seat where I could see a bit I spent most of the time with my eyes closed, lending the energy of all senses just to some, as you intended. I felt transported to the living room of a grand old house stripped of all the useless fluff and bubble of life, immersed deep in conversation with friends. You are Bach’s champion…”
“A lady was asked what she would like to do for her birthday. Her reply was simple. ”I would like to listen to the most beautiful music in all the world” – and she did!”
“This is just to thank you for a great evening of music last night. You both played beautifully, and I particularly liked the way you spoke about the music, warmly and with humour….. why can’t other classical musicians do that?”
“I just wanted to express my appreciation for such a sublime concert (again). The balance between you was perfect – the cello is such an amazing instrument in its affinity with other musical instruments and ability to feature in so many genres. Well done!”
“We didn’t sit in the area that’s close to the performers. Instead we were in the pews past the first arch where I expected the acoustics to not be as good…. wrong – they are excellent! The view from there was great, with the two cellos either side of the arch, and the corridor receding behind you. It looked like an old master’s painting – the visual ambience, the music, the acoustics – what a combination! Really special.”