Two dancers are at the front of the stage, one is standing behind the other with their hand on the other dancer's shoulder. Behind them are other dancers seated and a group of musicians

Breaking Bach

Breaking Bach

WORLD PREMIERE 
BEANBAG CONCERT SERIES

Discover Johann Sebastian Bach from a fresh perspective in this world premiere where classical music meets hip hop and contemporary dance.

The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, performing on 18th-century period instruments, is joined by a troupe of dancers whose new choreography brings Bach’s music to life. 

Award-winning choreographer Kim Brandstrup returns to the Festival after his acclaimed Minotaur (2023). This August, he collaborates with professional dancers and young talent from Acland Burghley School in London. Brandstrup's original choreography is inspired by the pulsing rhythms of Bach's music, including his Double Violin Concerto and vibrant Third Brandenburg Concerto.

Enjoy this electrifying fusion of contemporary dance and classical music from the comfort of a beanbag in the stalls or seated upstairs.

0 Stars

Mysteriously mesmerising in its simplicity

The Guardian on Kim Brandstrup's Minotaur (2023)

The Warm Up: Breaking Bach

Listen to The Warm Up, your bite-sized audio introduction to the performance.

Hear from Nicola Benedetti and Kim Brandstrup on what it's like to choreograph dance to Bach’s music and how hip hop made it all possible.

Listen on Soundcloud or Spotify.

Supported by Scobie Dickinson Ward

Programme

A keepsake freesheet is available at the venue for this performance.

Full programme

JS BACH (1685 - 1750)

Overture from Orchestral Suite No. 3
Concerto for Two Violins
Sarabande from Orchestral Suite No. 2
Prelude from Suite No. 1 for Solo Cello
Courante from Suite No. 2 for Solo Cello
Sarabande from Suite No. 5 for Solo Cello
Rondeau from Orchestral Suite No. 2
Oboe Concerto in G minor (BWV 1056)
Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3

BWV 35 Geist und Seele wird verwirret
       II: Sinfonia Presto
ENCORE

Production Credits

PerformersCloseOpen
  • Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
  • Violin
    Margaret Faultless
    Daniel Edgar
  • Cello
    Andrew Skidmore
  • Oboe
    Leo Duarte
  • Dancers
    Nafisah Baba
    Deavion Brown
    Emmanuel Bruno
    Aurora Casatori
    Jack Codling
    Oscar Fichelson
    Tommy Franzen
    Seirian Griffiths
    Justin Howell
    Jeriah Kibusi
    Robbie Ordona
    Elyse Renwick-Ashun
    Abe Taylor
Orchestra of the Age of EnlightenmentCloseOpen
  • First Violin
    Margaret Faultless
    Rachel Isserlis
    Rodolfo Richter
    Alice Evans
    Henry Tong
  • Second Violin
    Daniel Edgar
    Debbie Diamond
    Dominika Feher
    Sophie Simpson
  • Viola
    Louise Hogan
    Martin Kelly
    Kate Heller
  • Cello
    Andrew Skidmore
    Ruth Alford
    Camilla Morse-Glover
  • Double Bass
    Kate Brooke
    John-Henry Baker
  • Oboe
    Leo Duarte
    Sarah Humphrys
  • Bassoon
    Philip Turbett
  • Harpsichord/Organ
    Benjamin Sheen
Creative & Production TeamsCloseOpen
  • Kim Brandstrup
    Choreographer & Director 
  • Margaret Faultless
    Music Director
  • Ellie Wintour
    Set Designer
  • Edward Saunders
    Lighting Designer
  • Deavion Brown, Tommy Franzen, Seirian Griffiths
    Associate Choreographers

Dive Deeper

Listen to The Warm Up: your audio introduction to the performance.
The Breaking Bach Mixtape

Image gallery

Photo Gallery

A dancer in a green t-shirt with her arms outspread. An orchestra can be seen behind her.
© Credit : Courtesy of the company
Dancers in casual t-shirts perform on stage, moving in three pairs.
© Credit : Courtesy of the company
Dancers in casual clothing jump and kick their legs on stage.
© Credit : Courtesy of the company
Two dancers in green shirts, their hands are extended to the ceiling.
© Credit : Courtesy of the company
Dancers in casual clothes pose as a group, smiling, as two of their members breakdance either side.
© Credit : Courtesy of the company

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