Bach and the Mandolin

Venue: Vancouver Playhouse

Early Music Vancouver presents Bach & the Mandolin with Alon Sariel and the Pacific Baroque Orchestra

“Bach & the Mandolin” is centered around Bach’s Italian Concerto and a reconstruction of this concerto by Amit Weiner (2019). The remainder of the programme explores some of the exquisite Neapolitan repertoire for mandolin and orchestra, as well as other Italian sources of inspiration, such as Vivaldi, whose music Johann Sebastian copied and used for transcriptions of his own.

ALON SARIEL MANDOLIN
Philharmonic hall, not jazz podium; Mozart festival not cult TV rock programme – back then, Alon Sariel had not foreseen how things would develop: back then, in 1994, when his music teacher told the eight-year-old that the mandolin and the electric guitar were “basically the same thing”. This was a momentous deception that was to deliver to the world of music one of the most versatile mandolin players, lutenists and ensemble directors of the present day. In his concert programmes, Alon uses the lute, Baroque guitar, oud and other plucked instruments to give his audiences the most diverse musical experiences. The mandolin, which has survived the centuries and found its place in the most varied of music styles and cultures, occupies a very special place in his heart.

PACIFIC BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
The ‘house band’ of Early Music Vancouver, The Pacific Baroque Orchestra (PBO) is recognized as one of Canada’s most exciting and innovative ensembles performing “early music for modern ears.” Formed in 1990, the orchestra quickly established itself as a force in Vancouver’s burgeoning music scene with the ongoing support of Early Music Vancouver. In 2009, PBO welcomed Alexander Weimann as Director. His imaginative programming, creativity and engaging musicianship have carved out a unique and vital place in the cultural landscape of Vancouver.