YEARS
SONYA LIFSCHITZ, piano
STEPHEN EMMERSON, piano
SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY
RAFAEL BONACHELA, choreographer
CLEMENS HABICHT , director
BIANCA SPENDER, costumes
PROGRAM
J.S. BACH (1685-1750) arr. S. EMMERSON , Goldberg Variations BWV 988 (1741)
“Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variations…has the mysterious capacity to go on revealing itself without ever divulging the secret at its heart.” Michael Ignatieff (In notes accompanying the recording of the Goldberg Variations by Andras Schiff. Sony, 1982)
Conceived by virtuoso pianist Sonya Lifschitz and visionary choreographer Rafael Bonachela and set to esteemed Australian musician Stephen Emmerson’s reimagining of Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variations’ as a dialogue for two pianos, YEARS is a meditation on the layers of legacy that shape both our past and our future.
Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variations’ is universally recognised as a landmark in Western music; a spiritual, intellectual and powerful masterpiece. Emmerson’s counterpoint-rich adaptation is performed with celebrated Australian pianist Sonya Lifschitz whose “powerful exposition” (The Sydney Morning Herald) of Bach’s work has earned her critical acclaim in Australia and internationally.
Choreographed by Rafael Bonachela, featuring solos from the incredible dancers of Sydney Dance Company, and conceived as an online work, YEARS delves deep into the essence of movement and musicality.
In partnership with renowned collaborators Bianca Spender (costume) and Clemens Habicht (director), YEARS sees Bonachela reflect on echoes of the past to find clarity at the heart of a turbulent world.
YEARS premiered as the Brighton Digital Festival as part of Who Are We Now? The UK/AU Season 2021, by Sydney Dance Company and South East Dance.
“(Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variations)…has the mysterious capacity to go on revealing itself without ever divulging the secret at its heart.” - Michael Ignatieff (In notes accompanying the recording of the Goldberg Variations by Andras Schiff (Sony, 1982))
Conceived by virtuoso pianist Sonya Lifschitz and visionary choreographer Rafael Bonachela and set to esteemed Australian musician Stephen Emmerson’s reimagining of Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variations’ as a dialogue for two pianos, Years is a meditation on the layers of legacy that shape both our past and our future.
Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variations’ is universally recognised as a landmark in Western music; a spiritual, intellectual and powerful masterpiece. Emmerson’s counterpoint-rich adaptation is performed with celebrated Australian pianist Sonya Lifschitz whose “powerful exposition” (The Sydney Morning Herald) of Bach’s work has earned her critical acclaim in Australia and internationally.
Choreographed by Rafael Bonachela, featuring solos from the incredible dancers of Sydney Dance Company, and conceived as an online work, Years delves deep into the essence of movement and musicality.
In partnership with renowned collaborators Bianca Spender (costume) and Clemens Habicht (director),Years sees Bonachela reflect on echoes of the past to find clarity at the heart of a turbulent world.
Years premiered as the Brighton Digital Festival as part of Who Are We Now? The UK/AU Season 2021, by Sydney Dance Company and South East Dance.