Bach Project
It has been said that music is the language of the soul - a concept Julia Wedman has taken to heart throughout her career as a professional in the music industry. Explore the work that showcases the highlights of her musical experience and tracks her creative development.
Songs of Life is a three-year cycle of Bach’s solo violin music performed by solo violinist Julia Wedman in collaboration with the fantastically expressive dancer Brian Solomon for the Gallery Players of Niagara.
SONGS OF LIFE YEAR 1 BACH ON TURTLE’S BACK - CREATION (SUN., NOV. 4 / 18 at 2PM)
Birth, death and rebirth resonate as connective themes of human expression. Using the violin Sonatas and Partitas of J. S. Bach, the artistic explorations of Brian Solomon (Ojibwe/Irish), and selected Bach arias, Songs of Life- Bach on Turtle’s Back explores these profound concerns within a uniquely mixed North American context. Photo Credit: Colin Savage
Performers:
Brian Solomon, Dancer/ Choreographer
Julia Wedman, Solo Violinist
Marion Newman, Mezzo soprano,
John Abberger, oboe, Michelle Odorico and Valerie Gordon, violin, Patrick Jordan, viola, Margaret Gay, cello, Maho Sone, keyboard.
SONGS OF LIFE YEAR 2 BACH ON TURTLE’S BACK - DEATH (SUN., MARCH 4 / 20 at 2PM)
Creation, destruction and transformation resonate as connective themes of human expression.“Songs of Life”explores these profound truths through performances by solo violinist Julia Wedman of Tafelmusik, the artistic explorations of dancer Brian Solomon (Anishinaabe/Irish), and the transcendent music of J.S.Bach. Year two of a three year project, all supported by the Pluralism Fund.
Performers:
Sinéad White, soprano, Asitha Tennekoon, tenor,
Jessica Wright, mezzo soprano, Keith Lam, baritone,
Alison Melville, flute, Michelle Odorico, violin, Patrick Jordan, viola, Margaret Gay, cello, Louise Hung, keyboard.
With special guest Mariana Medellin, dancer.
SONGS OF LIFE YEAR 3 BACH ON TURTLE’S BACK - REBIRTH (SUN., MAY 2 / 21 at 2PM)
My journey with Bach
“The Great J. Seb. Bach used to say: “It must be possible to do anything. ”He would never stand to hear of anything not being feasible. This has always inspired me, with my slight abilities, to accomplish many otherwise difficult things in music, with effort and patience.” J.P. Kirnberger
About Bach:
J.S. Bach: Six Violin Sonatas and Partitas (Manuscript)
J.S. Bach: Six Violin Sonatas and Partitas: Bach Werke Verzeichnis 1001-1006 Composer's Manuscript
N. Harnoncourt: The Musical Dialogue: Thoughts on Monteverdi, Bach and Mozart
Stanley Ritchie: The Accompaniment in "Unaccompanied" Bach: Interpreting the Sonatas and Partitas for Violin
Benjamin Shute: Sei Solo: Symbolum?: The Theology of J. S. Bach's Solo Violin Works
David Ledbetter: Unaccompanied Bach: Performing the Solo Works
Bruce Haynes and Geoffrey Burgess: The Pathetick Musician: Moving an Audience in the Age of Eloquence