Chamber Music with a Twist: Bach Versus The Climate Crisis

“Bach Versus The Climate Crisis” is a collaboration between pianist Sophia (Shuhui) Zhou and visual artist J Henry Fair. Infusing a live performance of the "Goldberg Variations" by Bach with a dynamic mix of haunting and abstract aerial imagery from industrial sites and close-ups of the performing musician will create a unique sensory multimedia experience while increasing awareness of the environmental crisis we all face.

Johann Sebastian Bach, the single most important composer in the Western music canon, created the "Goldberg Variations" during his mature years. Composed in Leipzig at the dawn of European industrialization, the "Goldberg Variations" echoes the genius and complexity of German math, science and engineering, which are the basis of its economic, industrial and military achievements in the centuries hence.

The pairing of the awe-inspiring "Goldberg Variations" and the surreal abstract aerial images of our destruction of nature creates a jarring and inspiring juxtaposition. And like the lyrical and delicate final variations and repeated aria of the "Goldberg Variations," the story of brown coal has a hopeful ending.

There will be a reception with organic Riesling wine and light refreshments after the concert, sponsored by The Weeden Foundation. The event is also sponsored by The Berkshire Taconic Foundation.

See The Stissing Center's website and ticket pages for Covid Policy. Bar: Wine, beer, and soft drinks are available for purchase at this event.

Aerial photo credit: J Henry Fair.