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History & Mission: |
The Canberra Bach Ensemble was established in 1999 by Andrew Koll.
16 years ago, when the world celebrated the turn of the century (and indeed the millenium), research and performance of the music of J.S. Bach was reaching a zenith, leading into the 250th anniversary of J.S. Bach's death in July 2000.
In a blazing flurry of musical activity between June 1999 and July 2000, the Canberra Bach Ensemble presented a number of concert performances of Bach's cantatas, and other sacred and instrumental works, including BWV 4, 22, 23, 39, 43, 51, 55, 66, 82, 103, 105, 125, 127, 131, 156, 170, 229, 230, 235. The last official performance of the CBE was on 28 July 2000, the 250th anniversary of J.S. Bach's death.
Many of the original performers in the CBE went on to distinguished musical careers in Australia and abroad. Many are still living and working here in our beautiful city, Canberra. Below are some of the concert programs of the 'original' Canberra Bach Ensemble of 1999-2000...
In Australia, there was a deluge of performances of J.S. Bach's music leading into and following that milestone date, July 28, 2000. Many excellent Australian and international musical ensembles and festivals devoted to performing J.S. Bach's music have since presented in public performance most, if not all, of J.S. Bach's entire oeuvre around the country. But the Canberra Bach Ensemble was at the front of that wave back in 1999, and many of the Cantatas that the CBE performed were not only first performances in Canberra, but we suspect may have indeed been first performances in Australia.
Since 2000, the world has changed. Canberra has changed. Since the CBE last performed, the growth in the substance and quality of music making in this city has been extraordinary and expansive. Many excellent resident and visiting musicians and ensembles have made and continue to make stellar contributions to music making in this town.
The time has arrived for the Canberra Bach Ensemble to take its place again within the firmament of Canberra's music-making life. CBE looks forward to engaging many of this city's fine musicians and presenting our audiences with energetic performances of the wondrous music of our beloved composer, the musician's musician, J.S. Bach.
See also: Canberra Bach Ensemble - General Discussions |
