About
Bach Akademie Australia is a dynamic and expert group of internationally recognised instrumentalists and singers which aims to share with all Australians the inspiration and joyful excitement found in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Established in late 2016 by Australian violinist Madeleine Easton, Bach Akademie Australia makes the musical story of J.S. Bach immediate, rich and accessible through performances, recordings, and educational opportunities. The virtuosity of the ensemble has been honed by Madeleine and its members to create uniquely Australian experiences of Bach’s timeless masterpieces, reflecting the profundity, originality and joy of his music.
Bach Akademie Australia is also focused on forging close links with academic and other institutions around the country in order to establish educational and learning opportunities for young musicians, including with the Conservatorium High School and St James’ Church Sydney.
“Bach’s music has stood the test of time of over three centuries and still electrifies. It has crossed genres, is invaluable learning material and featured in inestimable performances and recordings. It embodies history, politics, science, art, humanity and spirituality. The BAA is doing invaluable work in keeping this brilliance alive.”
“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.”
“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”
Bach Akademie Australia gave its first, sold out public performance in Sydney in April 2017, and followed by the Canberra International Music Festival. These concerts were met with glowing reviews in Limelight Magazine and Canberra City News. The ensemble also made its debut recording for ABC Classic 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.
During 2020, the Bach Akademie Australia was able to engage with its audience through online presentations. Across 2021-22, the group performed in a variety of settings and presented some of Bach’s major works such as the Easter Oratorio and programs featuring actors that combined texts of Bach’s time to further expand audience’s knowledge of the composer. 2023 saw the group perform at the Canowindra Baroquefest for the first time and present his complete solo violin sonatas and partitas.
In 2024, Bach Akademie Australia made its debut appearances in the Sydney Festival and returned to the Canberra International Music Festival for acclaimed performances of the complete Brandenburg Concertos. In November, the Orchestra and Choir with renowned soloists Andrew Goodwin (Evangelist) and David Greco (bass) performed Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in Sydney’s City Recital Hall to critical and audience acclaim.
In 2025, the group returned the Sydney Festival, makes its first national tour and performs the complete Brandenburg Concertos in Penrith and Sydney.
Bach Akademie Australia aims to perform all of J.S. Bach's music showcasing the incredible inventiveness, profundity and joy of his music.
“..this is an exceptional performance by an exceptional ensemble.”
“Australia is truly fortunate to have an ensemble of this dedication and expertise to present the genius of Bach’s music.”
“...we must thank and congratulate Easton and her entire band of musicians on what was an extraordinary and joyful experience.”
“With thoughtful, well-researched performances and an elegantly constructed program, Easton and Bach Akademie Australia offered an opportunity to really dig down deep into Bach’s words and music – a profound and rewarding experience.”
“It was an evening of insightful programme selections which entertained and informed, realised in style by some of Sydney’s best early music performers.”
