Music lovers in Edinburgh and beyond are being invited to enjoy a unique marathon experience of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach – in 15 hours of continous performances to raise funds for Christian Aid.
Tickets are now on sale for the charity’s first ever ‘Bach to Bach Marathon’, which will see professional and amateur musicians from across the country come together in St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place, from 9am until midnight on Saturday 4 May 2013.
Organiser Alastair Guild, from the West End, had the inspiration for the event while playing Bach’s Chorales with a friend, and has been overwhelmed by the response from musicians in Edinburgh and across Scotland.
Alastair said:- “Bach has something for everyone and this is expected to be a really unique event with around 30 different performances. We’ve had an incredible response and it’s great that we’ll hear so many interpretations of his music in the one day, in the wonderful space that is St Mary’s Cathedral.
“I’m also excited that we’re doing this for such a worthwhile cause. I regularly volunteer during Christian Aid Week at the Edinburgh book sale, and I want the Bach event to be dedicated to the important work Christian Aid carries out around the world.”
Professional musicians, teachers, students and others who enjoy Bach’s music will perform a variety of pieces on a wide range of instruments, with additional solo and choral performances. Big names at the event will include harpsichordist John Butt, who is musical director of Edinburgh’s Dunedin Consort and a leading authority on Bach.
Music at the all-day concert will be interspersed with stories from the life and times of the great composer, and Christian Aid staff will be on hand to provide more information on the charity’s work in the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities.
Kathy Galloway, Head of Christian Aid Scotland, said “The concept of a Bach Marathon is very original here in Scotland, and we think it’s a really novel way to raise funds. Events like this one – which will take place right before Christian Aid Week 2013 – enable us to continue our work with partners around the world to eradicate poverty. We would like to thank the organisers and musicians for all the effort they have put in so far, and we’d certainly encourage members of the public to come along and show their support.”
Tickets cost £10 and allow entry to the event throughout the day. Light refreshments will also be on sale in the Cathedral, starting with coffee and croissants at 8.30am.
For more information, tickets, and a running order of performances go to www.christianaid.org.uk/bachtwobach
Photo Robert Ormerod
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
