The Orchestra
Bach Akademie Australia is dedicated to performing the works of J.S. Bach. It was established in late 2016 by Australian violinist Madeleine Easton who has recently returned after 19 years of living and working in Europe. Its aim is to enrich and enhance the musical life of Australia. The ensemble's focus on mastery of performance, authenticity and originality of interpretation brings the music of J.S. Bach to life. Bach Akademie Australia is also focused on forging close links with academic institutions around the country in order to establish educational and learning opportunities for young musicians.
Having been inspired by the world's leading Bach exponents, Bach Akademie Australia aims to give audiences the very best experience of J.S. Bach's music. Bach Akademie Australia gave its first public performance in April 2017, which sold out in Sydney, and later that year at the Canberra International Music Festival. These concerts were met with glowing reviews in Limelight Magazine and Canberra City News. The orchestra also made its debut recording for ABC Classic FM of Bach's Cantata BWV 4 'Christ lag in Todesbanden' and Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, both of which have been broadcast nationwide.
2018 saw Bach Akademie Australia consolidate its growing reputation as one of Australia's outstanding period instrument ensembles by further sold out performances in Sydney and Canberra to critical acclaim.
2019 has seen Bach Akademie Australia further cement its place as a major force on the Australian music scene with performances in central Sydney, Parramatta and again at the Canberra International Music Festival to glowing reviews. This year saw the formation of the Bach Akademie Australia Choir which performed to great acclaim with the orchestra in their ‘Ascension’ program in March.
Bach Akademie Australia aims to perform all of J.S. Bach's music showcasing the incredible inventiveness, profundity and joy of his music.
“Under precise and accurate guidance from artistic director Madeleine Easton, who conducted with her violin bow as is the European custom, Bach Akademie Australia produced a lush, full ensemble sound that truly did allow the beauty of Bach to wash away the concerns of the outside world”
“A joyous “Amen” ended the concert leading to a standing ovation, a fitting reward for a most moving and reflective concert of fine music performed by excellent singers and musicians.”
“A most auspicious start for an outfit that thinks big and aims to feed the soul.”
“It was an evening of insightful programme selections which entertained and informed, realised in style by some of Sydney’s best early music performers.”
The Choir
The BAA choir is made up of consort and solo voices, all of whom have had extensive experience in choral performance traditions, and many of whom have trained at the two great centres of Oxford and Cambridge. The choir made its debut in March 2019 with the performance of two cantatas (BWV 12 and 20) alongside the ‘Ascension’ Oratorio.
